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January 3, 2005Spectators and ConsumerismFor a long time, I've been thinking that a big part of our political, social, religious, etc. problems these days have their root in too many people becoming spectators instead of participants. I've been pondering the fact that many people (and the business community, which is becoming increasingly identified with the political community) call themselves consumers. Jock has addressed this as well, but perhaps I can look at it from a slightly different angle. A consumer is by definition a spectator. A consumer spends what she or he already has rather than creates something new. A consumer says "What have you got" rather than "Here's what I have to offer." A consumer says "Entertain me" rather than "Give me the opportunity to share what I produce or envision." A consumer says "Show me my choices" rather than "I will choose from all the options I can imagine." A consumer says "Give me ease, comfort, and security" rather than "Give me access to the resources I need for fulfillment." A consumer asks "Why don't they like us" rather than "How can I connect with them." A consumer asks "What are today's talking points" instead of "Where can I research the information I need." A consumer says "What can my country do for me" rather than "What can I do for my country." A consumer is passive and reactive, sucking energy from what someone else provides rather than actively and creatively generating her or his own energy. The US has become a consumer/spectator nation, relying on the energy sources of others, addicted to external energy. That's the source, as I see it, of our current weakness. Many Americans are looking for prepackaged identities and quick fixes. They are being drained by their leaders, and in turn are draining others in the world instead of being empowered by their leaders and in turn empowering others. Many Americans are angry at the world because anger makes them feel powerful, and many are fearful because they sense how dependent and powerless they really are and cannot see other options. Victims don't always recognize when they're being abused. I am hopeful that the current focus on helping those overwhelmed by the tsunami will shift our focus (at least for a little while) from death to life, and from watching to interacting. Happy New Year! Comments
Elissa & Randy, Your two posts are most interesting. I am looking for ways to transform event driven tactical response to the events in Asia to long term direct personal involvement in development for the billions of us who live at the bottom of the pyramid. For example, how can we create new ways to respond to the terrible results of the AIDs epidemic in Africa? How do we help people living on a dollar or two per day to develop ways to earn more in a sustainable way? After decades of trying, wehave yet to find a relibale solution. Jock Posted by: Jock Gill at January 4, 2005 9:42 AMJock, thanks for your comment and your commitment. As I read your questions, 2 words came to me: Ask them. The first step in understanding someone's problems is listening to them. That means we need direct communication. Posted by: Elissa at January 4, 2005 10:43 AMPost a comment
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