Ready to move?

If such a thing as the "ideal community" existed, this wouldn't be it. Although this community would provide all the bare essentials to a sustainable, affordable, and happy lifestyle it would be no perfect place, for such a place does not exist. It wouldn't be too complicated, however,  galvanizing people because there aren't many people within my community overtly enthused about staying in my end of Brooklyn, New York for the rest of thier lives. The community would be a clean, safe, friendly and positive environment for families to grow and develop and it would automatically be attractive because it would be so opposite from what current residents are familiar to. The arguement, however,  could then turn to say, "well, if I want a clean, safe, and friendly place to live, I would just move to someplace like Queens," (which is exactly what I would expect to hear from my neighbors and the like). That is where the argument would be wrong. But how would I convince them otherwise?

They, of course, must be led in the right way of thinking. It is very difficult trying to convince a New Yorker that anywhere else in the world could possibly be better than New York, (myself included), but in order to sell this community I would have to emphasize the beneficial and beautiful aspects of it that does not take them too far from the city life but shows them how a city lifestyle can be made better.  I would begin this by telling them that this community is a completely "Green" environment where most things are solar powered and the amount of gas emissions are significantly low since mass transportation is available and strongly encouraged. The conveniences that are available within the city, such as the proximity of most stores and other services, would also be available in order to make things more advantageous for everyone. Liter would also be a thing of the past because litering is a mental thing that only happens when liter is seen. If a street is spotless, no one dares disrupt the cleanliness with their trash. Noise control would be easier to manage because homes with deep insulation could be built that not only combats the noise but also brutal weather which would save people money and headaches. The education system must be driven and comprehensive in order to prepare students for higher education and to keep them motivated to do well and to reach their highest potential. I would also emphasize how safe this environment would be in comparison to the dodging and weaving from wreckless behavior that people are accustomed to. JOB OPPURTUNITIES would be the big hit among my community members because if steady jobs are provided people will not only become more responsible and hard working but their characters would change because along with a work ethic, a sort of moral ethic is developed which would cause these people to progress. 

Another visionary that came up with and has an ideal community would  of course have to be Jesus who described a place so perfect and real that it seemed almost impossibly too good to be true. And of course He faced the difficulties of actually to make this place seem attractive to the people of His day and mine but it doesn't deny the fact that His vision was thorough and His promises sure. Inasmuch as I'd like to think that I could come up with some fairytale dreamland where problems are non-existent and everything goes as planned, I know it isn't possible, which is to say that no "ideal community" can ever really exist here on earth. I do believe , however, that communities here can be made better. What I described was really ways to improve my community in order to make it an "ideal" for those who live there. There will be struggles getting the fine tuning and adjustments worked out but improvements are so much more realistic and necessary than getting caught in a way of thinkng that is elusive. Moving away to an amazing place seems as though it would be the easiest way in achieving this "ideal" but in my opinion, I think an ideal community is anyplace that you personally are familar with that has the potential to make progress and collectively becomes what everyone in the community sees as someplace they are proud of and happy to live in. 

Hey, Your "Success" is Showing

If you were to ask someone what their definition of success is, chances are they would say that it is an accomplishment of some goal or aim. If asked this question yourself the answer becomes a little more daunting. Would you begin to list all the achievements and awards you've ever received? Would you display all your wealth and possessions? Oftentimes we find that the things we are "successful" in are due to them being recognized by others and yet in some weird yet satisfying way we find pleasure in it. It is ironic that we find our self worth in what others think of us. Its as if we are to take on any task or purpose it must end with some form of acknowledgement. And though this is natural to some degree because of our humanity and need for attention, it becomes dangerous when we allow it to trap us in the theme of this generation, narcissism. This not only applies to monetary wealth but to wealth in other respects. We begin to start on a path led not by intrinsic motivation to accomplish things but a path that is solely for acceptance from others in order to display all that we are and all that we have. Wealth begins to lose value if it isn't worth showing and those who have it must do all that is within their power to make it visible. Because of this, things quickly lose value, trends constantly fade, and everything becomes tired and mundane. 

Why this state of mind has become a common practice is easy to follow simply because everyone wants to be better than someone else. If we can demonstrate that we are superior in some way we find ways to make the line of distinction clear. The result of this is that it belittles people and creates a sense of inferiority to those not as fortunate. To me, it is almost disgusting that someone would want to walk around praising themselves for all the successes they've accomplished and wealth they've accumulated but are consciously aware of those who can barely get a hold of two dollars a day to live on. It has become too commonplace in our society that the acceptable thing to do is get more, more, and more. We are never content or satisfied and our efforts are beginning to only be directed towards doing things that benefit ourselves. So why does this continue to happen? Because people have not yet learned that life doesn't mean anything if we continue to live only for ourselves. Being diligent in making a better situation for yourself is fine, but once your begin to amass all that you wanted and more, it begins to cloud your judgement and you forget that success should be shared and not flaunted. 

The Foreign Country's Dream

     Around the globe people are desperately seeking to have what is known as the American lifestyle. They are willing to commit themselves to chasing after this so-called "American Dream." Countries that are struggling to barely maintain their position in the global race see America as the ideal for what "comfortable living" should be. It is interesting to note that while Americans know that they are in the one of the wealthiest nations on the face of this planet, they are dissatisfied with what they have and find themselves constantly desiring more. This makes it almost impossible for countries much lower on the scale of wealth to keep up, and in spite of this they still strive to meet this standard. The question is why do these other countries feel as though the American way of living is a model for their own quality of living? The problem is convergence, which simply means that people around the world people believe the American lifestyle is the highest quality of life they could ever hope to attain.

   Countries that are so adamant about this would include developing countries that want to be modernized. Asian cultures, such as China, find America to be the epitome of success. Other countries such as Japan, however, see American culture as an ordinary everyday part of life. The truth of the matter is that if other countries were really aware of the amount of water use and carbon production this country is responsible as well the level of excessive consumerism, they would probably think twice about aspiring to be like this place. An American lifestyle is one lived in wastefulness and fear; we do not realize what we have until its all gone and then find ourselves cowering to find solutions. Countries that have next to nothing don't have these worries because if they lost everything it really wouldn't make much of a difference as opposed to Americans who would just lose their minds at the very thought.

     So why do other countries see America as a mirror of what they would like their own country to emulate? They see America as a country that is secure and firm in what they have. They see opportunities blooming left, right, and center, and all this just in comparison to what they currently have. Instead of breaking the mold and simply using the American lifestyle as a footstool for a completely new way of living they find comfort in reaching this level and remaining where they think they've found the absolute best. On the contrary these countries that want to follow in America's footstep provide some valid reasons why they feel American society provides and fosters a more successful environment. Our educational system is much different from foreign ones and it could be that this difference permits our students to excel better than those in areas where education is valued but not easily accessed. Also our capitalistic system, before our current economic situation, proved to be effective in maintaining economic stability. Our technological advancements have also placed us on a different level of efficiency and productivity. The problem with convergence, however,  is that once these other countries reach their goal they lose what makes their culture unique, all in an attempt to be included in what is considered the modern world. Americans have a certain quality of living but it doesn't mean it is the best quality of life. We provide opportunities, benefits, and freedoms that most countries do not but at the same time we have so many ignored problems that never get addressed, and despite all the knowledge we are supposed to have there still aren't solutions. Convergence include multiple facets that could deem it either a positive or negative thing but I feel that there isn't one country, on this earth at least, that can be considered a model country to follow. 

A Wanderer Such As I

     ""Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."" Ecclesiastes 1:2


     With words like these it is no wonder that the writer of Ecclesiastes sought to understand the true value of a life lived on Earth. It is a challenge people of modern times face daily as we find ourselves overwhelmed and confused in trying to find purpose and direction for our lives. We go through numerous cycles of introspection and self-searching in order to understands ourselves better. We try to piece together the reasons why we exist and how our piece fits in with the whole puzzle. And soon enough we find ourselves right in the category of "wanderer" like everyone else. It begins to seem impossible to find clarity and understanding. But just when we think there isn't any hope, examples of those who have taken this path once before are there to not only encourage us but let us know that there is a place of peace in all our wanderings. 


     A perfect example of such a wanderer would be Doug Bachelor. Raised an atheist in an extremely wealthy and well known family in California, Doug had it all. However, growing up he didn't know what it was like to truly be loved by his preoccupied and career oriented parents. He constantly changed schools and engaged in criminal activity at an early age. When Doug began living on his own he started to become dissatisfied with his lifestyle and soon realized that there had to be something better in life, something that would give him value. When he began his search he started to look into various world religions in hopes of finding something that he could agree with. He encountered some very strange ideas and practices but in all his searching, he was sincere in trying to find God. When he had reached his limits and began living in a cave, running around naked, and eating from dumpsters, he stumbled upon a bible where he read it and gave his heart to God. It reminds me of how Qoheleth describes the vast amount of riches, power, and fame he had and how none of it made him genuinely happy. Both men were filled with such emptiness from the things this world has to offer but upon realizing that there is no greater calling for men on earth but to "fear God and keep His commandments," an instant awakening takes place. 


     Another example of someone who shares this type or journey would be Malcolm X. Malcolm, being raised in the heat of racism, came from a family where black pride was strongly encouraged as well as self reliance. In spite of this his parents treated him differently from his siblings because of his lighter complexion. He endured a rough childhood having lost his father and having his mother placed in a mental institution. His aspirations of becoming a lawyer were discouraged by a teacher who told him that that wasn't a realistic goal for a "nigger." He moved around numerous times to various foster homes without finding a place where he felt truly accepted. This resulted in his involvement in hustling and other criminal activity which caused him to be sentenced in prison for eight to ten years. Throughout this time Malcolm began to undergo the questions of his purpose on earth, how he could change the world, and more importantly how could he change himself. Unlike Pastor Bachelor and his turn to Christianity, Malcolm turns toward Islam in hopes of finding answers. The Islamic nation welcomed him and provided him the answers he needed in order to turn his life around becoming one of the most influential African Americans in history. Though I may not necessarily agree with everything Malcolm X stands for I can understand his passion and the hardships he's faced and how throughout his life he has experienced a great deal of trials but has not never let those things define him or what he could be. 


      "So what does this all mean?", as the questions the author of Ecclesiastes presents still looms in my head. In my humble college student opinion I would agree with Qoheleth knowing that all the worlds pleasures are but vanity. However this I do know, that once we have found the one who created us, all our wandering will cease because it is then we would know the direction and purpose for our lives regardless of where we've been. He knows where we are headed and in Him we find meaning.