Our society seems to be a cookie cutter society at times. Lets take a look at the so called hipsters…who are set on being different from others, but why do all hipsters seem to look the same? Then we have my generation the dreaded millennials who are all into their social media, technology, great at typing, computers, don’t believe in conventional ways, want things on their own time schedule, and can be a little defiant when it comes to authority.
I am sure older generations are saying, “kids now a days.” Well I am positive that most generations prior had the exact same thinking pattern. Think about the cavemen, I bet they thought the guy who first thought about inventing the wheel was insane. Look at Elvis Presley who shook up the 50s with his take on music and provocative hips that cast spells on so many young girls. I am sure parents were less than thrilled at the effects his looks and music were having on their kids. But was it bad? Or was it just different? Today Elvis is regarded as one of the greatest artists in recent memory and he still has a huge following today. Just look at Sirius Radio, Elvis has his own radio station devoted solely to his music. How many artist will be able to claim the same so many years after their passing?
It all starts by having a belief in oneself and having the wherewithal to stick it out. It won’t be easy. Our world needs people who are willing to go the extra mile now more than ever. The news stations are littered with stories of theft, abuse, and other crimes and calamities. But that doesn’t mean the world is bad. I am afraid that our media outlets and those in control of such mediums are very skilled at projecting the minority and making it seem as the majority. Just take a quick glance at Instagram and you will see many examples of how people project a certain lifestyle, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I think my main disagreement with social media is how people try and display their-selves in untrue light that makes other people feel inferior. I am not saying it is intentional but it has been created through the desire to have more likes and acceptance of their “followers.”
We should all stand up for the individual who wants to be different in action and support those who want to be part of the solution. The best way we can support those people is by not bringing them down. How many people had a great desire or dream at some point in their lives that they wanted to change the world? Only to throw the towel in somewhere around college or late 20s when they realized the world is too screwed up for them to make any difference? How many people have been there on the sidelines just waiting for these people to lose hope and welcome them into the fraternity of the masses? This has to stop!
Greater happiness and joy are found at the end of the extra mile. We can all do a little more each day to make ourselves better and improve our community. I think one of the best things we can have is community. Defined it means, “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of shared common attitudes, and interests; a unified body of individuals.” The last part really resonates with me as a unified body of individuals. A group wouldn’t be very strong if they were all comprised of the same strengths and weaknesses. I love sports and especially basketball and the lessons it has taught me about life. A basketball team wouldn’t be very good if it had 5 points guards starting who were all the same size and had the same skill set. Basketball is a great team sport that requires a group of players who can compliment one another while playing as a unit.
Our world isn’t much different. If we want to find solutions and create a better future we must bond together. if each individual becomes their best selves then our communities will be amazing. There will be greater joy, kindness, less social instability, and a greater climate of change. We cannot all just sit around passively waiting on the world to change. The change is found at the end of the extra mile. Who will you find at the end of your mile? You may be surprised at what lies at the end of that road.
Nunc Coepi 