Everything seems so trivial now. My work deadlines, the hobbies and interests that seemed so important just a little while before....even my own birthday. Like many of you out there I'm feeling the burden and depression that the country is heading further toward values that I cannot embrace: unilateralism, faith-based policy, government endorsed discrimination, fiscal bloat, and a continued failure to address terrorism as a symptom of a larger problem of international proportions. Women and gay rights are on the forefront of Bush's agenda, but in a backward step toward the anglo-Christian status quo that seems in direct contrast to where the nation's population is heading. Why is it that the cities that are most likely to be in the most danger of terrorism, cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and D.C. are the ones that supported Kerry, while the Midwest and South in their isolated safety are driven by fear? Because we in urban areas face the unknown and differences each and every day. We see people of different colours, different faith, different economic and educational backgrounds. Go to the meat and potatoes of this country and you realize diversity only exists as an idea to the majority of Americans. So Bush is one of them. Kerry was an outsider. People stick to their own, even when the emperor wears no clothes...they're more comfortable with a dick they already know.
So where do we go from here? We have open minds and open hearts, and we feel like we have a right to the term "moral" just as those who believe in a Christian lifestyle. We have gay friends, lovers. We believe in diplomacy and peace, not aggression. We want happiness, but not at the cost of our environment. We know and interact with people with names like Chang, Hernandez, Zayed, and Jones on a daily basis. We're artists, teachers, designers, musicians, librarians, and even a couple business folk. We're the other half of the population that didn't think Bush was the right choice. We're Americans, something that the right seems to want to strip from us...villifying us as "liberals" (proud of it!), unpatriotic, freedom-hating. We're not. We're Americans. But to be fair, we marginalize those whom we oppose. We don't address that a great deal of Americans find solace and direction from their faith and conservative values different from ours. That their interests and passions lie more locally, and their dreams driven by the traditional image of a country and world stage that we believe doesn't exist anymore, with our more worldly perspective in international locales. Their isolationism creates a different world view and value system than ours, and if its not blatantly obvious, we need to address this.
A friend and I just had an online discussion about the very point I made above. His anger and disappointment with Americans is so great, he told me I'm "wasting my time" trying to reach to others that don't believe the same things we do or value. I remain steadfast that this not true, and I told him if he did move to another country as he mentioned, his talents and intelligence would be missed (and most importantly his nearby friendship; I assured him his decision to stay or leave didn't endanger our personal friendship despite our philosophical differences). The anger, confusion and pessimism right now is almost unbearable, both on a personal level and also noticeable amongst those around me. A defeat as large as this, when our hopes in democracy were not realized, is crushing. In the moment now, thoughts of relocation and political disenfranchisement seem natural thoughts. I am not immune to this myself, perhaps in contrast to what my friend noted above believes since I might appear an unwavering, optimistic patriot. My head is dizzy, my stomach upset with the things to come. But where he and I differ is that I believe this is our generation's challenge. How can I compare my life's challenges to that of a black man's living in the 50's, during the beginnings of the civil right's movement? How can I call my discomfort unbearable compared to those who protested the Vietnam War and battled the powers that be directly and defiantly. How can I even try to say all is lost when women fought for their reproductive rights in an even more conservative environment? I can't, and I know my life is not to be one of ignorant comfort my American lifestyle affords me. A struggle and cause beckons of the greatest importance, and how can I turn a blind eye...a deaf ear?
So I'm questioning and challenging myself, and hopefully a few of you out there also who feel the same, not to give up. I know I didn't do as much as I could have this election, and I'm sure I could have taken a more proactive stance in participation in the same way Emily's brother did by traveling to other states to help in this election. I cannot change the mind of another, but I can change my own to face the challenges set before us as Americans who feel this direction is the wrong one and be active the whole four years until the next presidential election. Millions of us felt we needed a new start. We're not a minority. I think all of you wonderful, talented and intelligent people can rise beyond this, especially if you hold the ideals of democracy, equality and freedom dear to the heart as I do. I'm trying to move on from my anger of the 50% of Americans who support the status quo, and instead I'm looking proudly at the other half that supported the hopes of a better America. When the anger fades to a medium boil, let's fucking do something about this. Let's put words into action. Let's fuck shit up not by hatred, but with education and activism. Let's live up to the very ideals we feel are being taken away from us. Because if not us, who?
- Progress, not perfection
-
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typefiend- November 3rd, 2004
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I nominate this for your best post ever.
By far the best post I have seen yet in regards to this election.
You've expressed so many excellent points here, I don't know where to start...but thanks for writing this.
Thanks for that. I couldn't have expressed that better, and applaud you for being able to write something so optimistic, heartfelt --and most importantly-- clear-headed on a day as dark as this.
My chin is a little higher than it was before, that's for damn sure.
My chin is a little higher than it was before, that's for damn sure.
i feel the same way, with all the same symptoms. and i believe there's strength in numbers, so if you & chiffonade are thinking about activism, i'll be watching you for what types of things i can join you with.
i feel like there must be some type of organization put in place for creating a much more attractive & revered view of voting. maybe people who speak in schools or something. though i can't think of a way to do it impartially, i think that the individual's attitude toward voting needs to be more religious. people should be driven to want to do it, not be annoyed that it takes time.
i want to do something instead of feel shitty, but i have no idea what that should be as yet.
i feel like there must be some type of organization put in place for creating a much more attractive & revered view of voting. maybe people who speak in schools or something. though i can't think of a way to do it impartially, i think that the individual's attitude toward voting needs to be more religious. people should be driven to want to do it, not be annoyed that it takes time.
i want to do something instead of feel shitty, but i have no idea what that should be as yet.
I'm not sure what they are going to do yet, but The MMOB - one of the grassroots organizations I joined for letter writing and phone banking - has said that they plan to stay active. Gregory and I definitely want to think of some things to do locally, as well, and I'm glad that you might want to join us.
again, greg always puts in words everything i would like to say...
hey typefiend good post...and I enjoyed our talk the other night.
Perhaps I should post about the negative side of TV watching ne? I think I'll go do that...
typefiend good post...and I enjoyed our talk the other night.Perhaps I should post about the negative side of TV watching ne? I think I'll go do that...
i'm trying really hard not to obliterate the idea of "middle america" in my head, by launching 10000 missiles at it in my mind and obliterating it from my mental geography.
you're right, they live differently, think differently, and I am in no position to judge them for that. However, you wonder just how much you can change at this point--you wonder if you have the time to change people's minds and lives before something apocalyptic and terrible happens and they finally see for themselves the fruits of their democratic labor...
I feel like the nature of grassroots protest have changed. Where violence shouldn't be an option, non-violence is losing efficacy. We're coming into an age where words and peaceful acts don't mean anything anymore, and (preemptive) actions do. Soon we'll run out of ways to communicate. Soon we'll have no methods left, unless something changes.
The crisis is communication. the crisis is education. the crisis is misinformation. These crises cut deep to the core of the system and our people itself. I don't want to give up on trying to change these things, but it's gonna take every ounce of ingenuity, effort, and care that we've got to find a new way to change the world.
*sigh* i'm angry, sad, and tired of identifying all the things that are wrong with this country, world, life.
you're right, they live differently, think differently, and I am in no position to judge them for that. However, you wonder just how much you can change at this point--you wonder if you have the time to change people's minds and lives before something apocalyptic and terrible happens and they finally see for themselves the fruits of their democratic labor...
I feel like the nature of grassroots protest have changed. Where violence shouldn't be an option, non-violence is losing efficacy. We're coming into an age where words and peaceful acts don't mean anything anymore, and (preemptive) actions do. Soon we'll run out of ways to communicate. Soon we'll have no methods left, unless something changes.
The crisis is communication. the crisis is education. the crisis is misinformation. These crises cut deep to the core of the system and our people itself. I don't want to give up on trying to change these things, but it's gonna take every ounce of ingenuity, effort, and care that we've got to find a new way to change the world.
*sigh* i'm angry, sad, and tired of identifying all the things that are wrong with this country, world, life.
I'm letting myself wallow in fear, shame, digust, anger, and even tears, but I can't wait to simmer down and really get active. More than ever I feel like I should be dedicating my life to education, in some way, and if anything, this outcome has already, even during this time of incredible devastation, shown itself to give me purpose. Right now I am mostly interested in the youth population that did not show up to our polls, and that they seem to only respond to MTV-ish political tactics...I want to use my voice as a graphic designer and speak to these people, because the media is doing serious, serious damage. I admire your optimism, and I'm working hard for that same trait, because only optimism can save me now.
How can I compare my life's challenges to that of a black man's living in the 50's, during the beginnings of the civil right's movement?
Exactly. Which is why, even during my most angry hour, cannot truly imagine deserting a place my parents made huge sacrifices in their own life to get to, so I could get an education and have some sort of personal success, only to leave when the going gets tough.
How can I compare my life's challenges to that of a black man's living in the 50's, during the beginnings of the civil right's movement?
Exactly. Which is why, even during my most angry hour, cannot truly imagine deserting a place my parents made huge sacrifices in their own life to get to, so I could get an education and have some sort of personal success, only to leave when the going gets tough.
This is one of the best posts I've read in the 3 years I've been on LJ. You write very well and you give great insight. Thank you for keeping my spirits up and giving me hope.
looking at the map displayed on tv last night showing the locations of the states that were bush 'red' and which ones were 'blue' scared me alot. it's interesting how the coast states think compared to the 'heartland' and south of america. last night has me thinking 'what are americans thinking?' but maybe i should have looked at it as 'this is how american's think' (at least half) and confirmed just how divided our nation is. but i agree with you, enough whining...what's done is done...for the next four years. yikes.
great post btw.
great post btw.
Thank you for writing this honest entry. You've reflected my feelings precisely, but without the swear words... ;)
I read over your post, I really like what you have to write. But after reading it, I wanted to say something....
First off, don't give up hope. This nation has been in tougher binds with worse presidents, and we've all managed to pull through. Your optimism seems to be working fine. :)
Also, you touched upon "open mindedness". I'm probably not in the position to be saying the following to you like this (as I am a guest on your LJ, "who is this guy?" you're thinkin'), and I really don't know anything about you to be making the kinds of judgments I'm about to make.... but maybe the issue isn't so much trying to change everyone else to follow your views, but to instead change yourself; to not so much force yourself to agree with the Conservatives, but to understand why they think what they do and that, well, maybe they have a very good reason for it. You mention "educating" and "acting" in an effort to possibly sway the Right. Now while that's all and good (and more than encouraged), according to your post, and correct me if I'm wrong, you seemed to me like you made some assumptions of Midwest folk yourself without any real knowledge about them ("they're isolated, and therefore don't have to deal with the diversity we do", etc etc). Now don't get me wrong, you come across as a very intelligent person. So I'm hoping what I've interpreted isn't correct and you DO know quite a lot about the Midwest culture (maybe more than me because my only connection with it is my father who was from Michigan, I myself was born and raised in San Francisco). Again, correct me if I'm wrong.
If you haven't has much exposure to Midwest culture though, it's no big deal, but it is an important point... you're making negative assumptions about someone from another culture within the US, while downing them at the same time because you think they vilify liberals as being "unpatriotic and freedom-hating". It could just be the way I'm reading this, but hidden in your words all I read is "redneck, gun-toting hick" when referring to someone from the Right. I doubt that was ever your intent though, but I can't help but see it.
Contrary to what a lot of my hardcore lefty friends think, the Right are very similar to the Left (though in obviously different ways). Maybe conservatives have gay friends and lovers (though, fine, they're a lot more hush-hush about it). They believe in peace too, though the means for peace might be different. They're artists, teachers, designers, musicians, librarians and business folk too. They're Americans like you, they just voted for Bush. And like you, many conservatives feel the same way you do; that the left is trying to strip their lifestyle away from them, that the left is destroying their moral values and looking down upon them as "redneck gun-toting hicks". Maybe we both sides stopped trying to switch each other and at least understand one another, there'd be less problems.
It's not an issue of "everyone is wrong but me", which I believe is one of the BIG factors in the polarization of this nation. Bush has been doing this ("God says I'm right and you're not"), and the liberals have calling him out on it... but many liberals I've talked to are doing exactly the same thing. I mean no offense, but stuff like "Let's fuck shit up ... with education and activism." is just a nice way of saying "I know more than you do, so let me educate you". I'm almost sure if, say, Rush Limbaugh said "Let's fuck shit up ... with education and activism," you'd be calling on them for it. I believe that if we all stopped trying to convince other people that they're wrong and maybe focus in on ourselves and our views, maybe we'd come to realize that we're not perfect and try our best to correct ourselves. I feel that if everyone did this, it would do more than trying to change everyone's views but your own.
Again, I don't mean ANY disrespect, this is just an outsider Moderate's view on what you had to write. I understand that I'm just coming out of nowhere here, so I don't expect you to reply. I just hope that you read what I had to say and at least consider it (or better yet, already understand what I've written and I'm just repeating the obvious). :)
First off, don't give up hope. This nation has been in tougher binds with worse presidents, and we've all managed to pull through. Your optimism seems to be working fine. :)
Also, you touched upon "open mindedness". I'm probably not in the position to be saying the following to you like this (as I am a guest on your LJ, "who is this guy?" you're thinkin'), and I really don't know anything about you to be making the kinds of judgments I'm about to make.... but maybe the issue isn't so much trying to change everyone else to follow your views, but to instead change yourself; to not so much force yourself to agree with the Conservatives, but to understand why they think what they do and that, well, maybe they have a very good reason for it. You mention "educating" and "acting" in an effort to possibly sway the Right. Now while that's all and good (and more than encouraged), according to your post, and correct me if I'm wrong, you seemed to me like you made some assumptions of Midwest folk yourself without any real knowledge about them ("they're isolated, and therefore don't have to deal with the diversity we do", etc etc). Now don't get me wrong, you come across as a very intelligent person. So I'm hoping what I've interpreted isn't correct and you DO know quite a lot about the Midwest culture (maybe more than me because my only connection with it is my father who was from Michigan, I myself was born and raised in San Francisco). Again, correct me if I'm wrong.
If you haven't has much exposure to Midwest culture though, it's no big deal, but it is an important point... you're making negative assumptions about someone from another culture within the US, while downing them at the same time because you think they vilify liberals as being "unpatriotic and freedom-hating". It could just be the way I'm reading this, but hidden in your words all I read is "redneck, gun-toting hick" when referring to someone from the Right. I doubt that was ever your intent though, but I can't help but see it.
Contrary to what a lot of my hardcore lefty friends think, the Right are very similar to the Left (though in obviously different ways). Maybe conservatives have gay friends and lovers (though, fine, they're a lot more hush-hush about it). They believe in peace too, though the means for peace might be different. They're artists, teachers, designers, musicians, librarians and business folk too. They're Americans like you, they just voted for Bush. And like you, many conservatives feel the same way you do; that the left is trying to strip their lifestyle away from them, that the left is destroying their moral values and looking down upon them as "redneck gun-toting hicks". Maybe we both sides stopped trying to switch each other and at least understand one another, there'd be less problems.
It's not an issue of "everyone is wrong but me", which I believe is one of the BIG factors in the polarization of this nation. Bush has been doing this ("God says I'm right and you're not"), and the liberals have calling him out on it... but many liberals I've talked to are doing exactly the same thing. I mean no offense, but stuff like "Let's fuck shit up ... with education and activism." is just a nice way of saying "I know more than you do, so let me educate you". I'm almost sure if, say, Rush Limbaugh said "Let's fuck shit up ... with education and activism," you'd be calling on them for it. I believe that if we all stopped trying to convince other people that they're wrong and maybe focus in on ourselves and our views, maybe we'd come to realize that we're not perfect and try our best to correct ourselves. I feel that if everyone did this, it would do more than trying to change everyone's views but your own.
Again, I don't mean ANY disrespect, this is just an outsider Moderate's view on what you had to write. I understand that I'm just coming out of nowhere here, so I don't expect you to reply. I just hope that you read what I had to say and at least consider it (or better yet, already understand what I've written and I'm just repeating the obvious). :)
I'm sure Gregory/Typefiend will respond later, but as someone who knows him very well, I just thought I'd let you know that what you wrote is pretty much what he already believes (and acts upon)!
you're right- the people in this country have been through much more difficult times and have prevailed. I'm so impressed by your ability to stay optimistic right now...and I'm grateful to be on your friends list because I really did need to hear this.
Thanks for writing this. I hope you don't mind my linking this to my journal.
No please do! I'm hoping we can make this sentiment/goal a meme to share amongst those who are feeling hopeless, yet still have that desire within to make better days happen. We might have lost the election, but its far from over!
Excellent post! You express yourself with such ease, and have written a truly inspiring piece :)
you said what i most recently posted but with a lot less cursing and a lot more width and depth. i'm still in the extreme anger stage.
Hey nobody beats the Biz, so I'm confident you'll be able redirect that anger into action!
Thank you so much. You should start an LJ community, "reaching_out" or something of the like. Maybe even with the message, "We're American Too," because we are; that's why we where out there standing in those long lines to vote on the second of November. If you want to start a community, I'd most definitely support you, and would very much actively participate. (:
I too had feelings of anger, confusion and fear yesterday. The world suddenly feels like a much scarier place than before. While anxiety twisted my insides (and no doubt others as well), 51% of our country cheered and celebrated the reelection of our President. But last night, I realized that anxiety is not the best tool for this case. At eighteen, a year is fast-becoming a smaller and smaller chapter in my life. I imagine it's even more so when you're older. Thinking in those terms, the next four years seem just a little more manangable. "A little," yes, but even a small margin in a positive direction is a great turnaround from the previous four years.
Your optimism is most dearly shared. I look forward to "working" alongside you (and with many others who commented) in the future. :D
I too had feelings of anger, confusion and fear yesterday. The world suddenly feels like a much scarier place than before. While anxiety twisted my insides (and no doubt others as well), 51% of our country cheered and celebrated the reelection of our President. But last night, I realized that anxiety is not the best tool for this case. At eighteen, a year is fast-becoming a smaller and smaller chapter in my life. I imagine it's even more so when you're older. Thinking in those terms, the next four years seem just a little more manangable. "A little," yes, but even a small margin in a positive direction is a great turnaround from the previous four years.
Your optimism is most dearly shared. I look forward to "working" alongside you (and with many others who commented) in the future. :D
Thank you for your sentiment and support, as I think for every negative comment I hear, I'm now hearing 3 positive ones. I think people are still angry, but now energized to do something about it besides just waiting every 4 years in the hopes of making a difference. There were many positive things that I saw during this election and I think its possible to build upon it despite the evident setback. I'm glad someone as young as you is optimistic and eager to be proactive...it really does give me personal hope in this country.
I was very touched by your entry. In fact, it made me a little emotional.
This captured exactly how I felt yesterday. This was my first election, and I cried to my mother from my little office about how I'd lost my faith in this country.
This post was really what I needed right now. A heartfelt thanks.
The anger, confusion and pessimism right now is almost unbearable, both on a personal level and also noticeable amongst those around me. A defeat as large as this, when our hopes in democracy were not realized, is crushing. In the moment now, thoughts of relocation and political disenfranchisement seem natural thoughts.
This captured exactly how I felt yesterday. This was my first election, and I cried to my mother from my little office about how I'd lost my faith in this country.
This post was really what I needed right now. A heartfelt thanks.
(Anonymous)
I don't consider myself a hardcore Bush supporter. I don't consider myself a hardcore Kerry supporter. I'm just an average guy. I work an average job, live in an average town, and try to live an average life. I heard things from both Bush and Kerry that I liked, and things that I disagreed with. I live in the South, or as you put it "meat and potatoes of this country" where "...diversity only exists as an idea to the majority of Americans". There is as much truth in that statement as there is in describing the people of LA, NY, Chicago, and DC as a bunch of "tree hugging, PDA carrying, SUV driving, stuck up hippies". I know first hand that that isn't true. These cities, and cities like them around this country, are filled with tons of caring individuals who look past ethnic, religious, personal differences to see others for who they really are. The same can be said for the rest of the country. Unfortunately, here in the South, as in a lot of cases in life, a few "bad seeds" have given a bad name to the larger group. Regardless of our geographical locations and regardless of the candidate you voted for on Tuesday, now is the time to come together, not as Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Jews, Christians, Homosexuals, or Heterosexuals, but as Americans, and support our President and our Country.
(no subject) — (Anonymous)
(Anonymous)
i'm also a friend of Derek's and was directed here from lowbright.com, and i have to agree with everyone else... i'm in absolute awe at the peace, maturity and inspiration you bring to this subject that i until now couldn't look at past my own frustration and rage. really, thank you. you should post this in the paper and help along the healing process of so many other frustrated "crazy liberals." i hope you don't mind if i quote yours in my own blog... i have to make reperations for the bush bash rampage i subjected all my friends to ...
-kaffy
-kaffy
supercool. i nominate you for president!
many sighs. if only most people were as thoughtful.
many sighs. if only most people were as thoughtful.
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2004-11-03 04:06 pm (UTC)