I claim to take the moral high ground. But, really, it's nothing compared to the risk-takers, humanitarians, the real rebels for a cause: Aung San Suu Kyi, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, the King himself, just to name a few. These individuals, whose words are backed up by their actions, make me proud to call myself human.
In contrast, as a species, we're also capable of doing terrible, irreversible things. Genocide, rape, corruption, murder, apartheid,the decision to remain ignorant and apathetic of others. Americans to the Natives. Spanish to the Mayans and Incas. Japanese to the Ainu. Australians to the Aborigines. Chinese to the Tibetans. Greeks to the Turks. The individuals that were involved were not psychopaths. During many war trials, the same people claim to have been following orders. Think back on Milgram's experiment. In order to have order, we have to have people who can follow orders. However, where do we draw the line, in terms of civil obedience?
I am one of the many bloggers. I say clever things, in the comfort of my home, through the anonymity of the internet. In person, I'm reserved and I keep to myself, a borderline recluse. I'm tact with others in order to avoid conflict or uncomfortable situations. I know it's impossible to rationalize an irrational world so I don't. It's futile to worry about things I have no control of so I don't. I nuke up a cup of coffee, tend to my pool laps and studies, then call it a day. I'm selfish, my ambitions have yet to take a back seat. However, I won't slap a bumper sticker on my car, toss chunk change in a can and call it being a humanitarian.
I raise my mug to you, King!
No comments:
Post a Comment