One of the main obstacles to profound reform is the presence of cynicism. Anytime we engage in a discussion of the political process it is always viewed through a jaded lens. This perspective often leads to a sense of hopelessness, when faced with the uncompromising, corrupt machine that confronts us. Political paralysis is often not a byproduct of laziness or lack of interest, but a sense that it is pointless to row against the unyielding tide of the status quo.
Awareness is a double edged sword. The more enlightened you become to your surroundings, the more information you absorb, the more you see your own limitations within that environment. This society has become so complicated, so self perpetuating that it has become a breathing entity that is bigger than the some of its parts. This leads to a sense of futility in clinging to the ideal that the course is reversable in any substantative way.
When you see a looming crisis that demands radical change yesterday and then watch the inadequate, plodding remedy proposed by the process, you are left with a cynical view. The evidence for global warming has been evident for the last two decades. The permanance of the ramifications are obvious, yet we offer miniscule measures at a woefully slow pace. I use this example because it is a one time opportunity and it would appear that this window for reform has closed. The effects are now becoming apparent, the future secured, so we are left to watch as the inevitable.
It is hard not be left with a simple sense of exasperation that our fate is sealed. Instead of fighting the good fight, which with a cynical eye looks futile, maybe it is better to check out of the process and retreat to a personal serenity. I did this once, moved to a remote location in the mountains, turned off the radio and forgot my surroundings. Inevitably, the obligations to my own societal tenticles drew me back, but only begrudgingly.
Defeatist or realist? My ideals are always at odds with a bigger, more powerful entity that has no interest in my take, nor is it equipped to accurately respond. So, left with complete paralysis, the only course seems to concentrate on the micro, with a obligatory eye on the big picture. Take care of your family, friends and your immediate environment. Give money and support to bigger organizations, but with little belief in the outcome.
This new medium gives some hope, because it does allow for shared belief that transcends physical barriers and traditional avenues for change. However, I think we have seen recently the limitations of the new technology, when confronted with the inflexibility of system. This society is like a giant ship, and nobody is at the helm. It is so inflexible and rooted that it perpetuates itself and we are all just barnacles on the whale.
Nobody wants to admit defeat, but when faced with the magnitude of the inevitable catastrophic changes ahead, there is that quiet voice that says the world is forever lost as we know it and the future synthesis is not pretty. Then I look at my son and I feel an obligation to fight, futility aside, because his survival demands it. Is that a pathetic predicament or what?
