Stop and Think

Stop. Think for yourself. I do not want to be apart of the mindless herd (read Noam Chomsky's Media Control). I want to think for myself and believe in something more. I am tired of people who "don't care" or "can't pay attention" or who "choose not to understand". Sadly, our generation is lacking in many things and I hope to be the better part of it.

I am amazed when I talk to people of all ages about everyday news or even make vague historical references and their immediate response is "wow, you're smart". It saddens me that our education system has failed us as citizens of the United States. I did not become "smart" until I went to Fashion College in California. I am always eager to learn, however, I was pushed to be something better at that school. Oddly enough, I remember my Effective Speaking teacher telling me I had a mission in life that would affect many people (he is one of those touchy feely, the room is purple and karma is amazing kind of guys) and I looked around and wondered....why is the girl next to me doing her report on the Suicide Girls, and my report is on corruption in the government? Why did I get A's on all of my Contemporary Economic and Political Development class while everyone else thinks it's a bore. Why is it not important to us to know about the past?

I do not want to be a part of the mindless herd.

How can I do more? I volunteered with MoveOn.org to call people in swing states to vote the first few days of November. They have a big project to get people out to vote but not enough people want to be apart of it or care. They'd rather watch Monday Night Football or Lost than pay attention to what is going on in the world. The news is too sad, I don't watch it...If you think it's sad, why don't you do something about it? Volunteer at your local shelter, learn CPR, volunteer at the Red Cross - they will train you for all major disasters - get off the couch and do something.

I am not a part of the mindless herd, I am strong and I have a voice.

I recycle, I try to conserve energy, I don't do enough. I want to encourage others, but it is so hard to change the way people think. It is a happy life when you follow along the path thinking you are changing things when really you do nothing...following the mindless herd.