General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Stripping away the distracting BS, this is what it all boils down to. (In my opinion.) [View all]BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)And agree in many ways. But I think the key is in your post itself.
Because we have built our lives in such a way that we are dependent for EVERYTHING from other people, with the highest being a paycheck that the boss man wields like a cudgel, we are almost becoming infantile in our ability to take care of ourselves. As a child of suburbia and now and urban dweller, I often feel this acutely. We have put ourselves into little boxes, and now we must all tend our little boxes separately. What if that changed? What if there was a sense of mutual support instead of charity? What if we all praised each other for our good works instead of our possessions? What if Made in the USA was the highest designer label? It's just a priority shift.
I often think about the non-compliance strikes that were part of Gandhi's strategy against English colonial rule. Many people were willing to lose their lives or be beaten. They were living in extreme poverty, but were willing to strike because they knew they had to. For themselves and for future generations. Because they were tired of living like slaves.
It worked. They were able to topple the greatest empire the world had ever known. Granted, it hasn't been all roses, but it was a great victory over an overwhelming force. Ditto the civil rights movement. I can be done. The map has already been made.
We're so far away from being self-sufficient and I try my best to rectify that but it takes time to be able to do this. But I do feel a sense of pride when I can make something myself I would have to buy. I often hear my friends complain of all the activities they need to take their children to. I ask them if they have thought about making a garden instead or building things or any number of activities which not only educate but help the family as well. We're losing all of our skills. I wonder about retired people who are great gardeners who share their produce. Or turning an unused back yard into farm land. I know there are organizations working on this. I think there is a way to build community that helps us all in so many ways.
Like I said, I don't have all the answers, but it is definitely an interesting conversation.