Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Are you part of the past?

Values

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Mark Twain

My friend, Harry, says that our culture values three things above all else: appearance, affluence, and accomplishment—the Three A's. This value system is what generates such stinging witticisms as, “Those that can, do; those that can't, teach.” That is why the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show turns twelve-million dollars into five-billion in one hour. That is why the likes of Donald Trump get a network television show. He may be a schmuck, but he has a lot of money, so we are willing to put up with him. We honor people with Super Bowl trophies, with Pulitzer Prizes, Oscars and Emmys for accomplishments in their fields, but you will never see a prize for superior garbage collection, or sewer maintenance, or car repair, or bridge building, all of which we depend upon to keep this country operating smoothly. When do the first responders, who make mediocre salaries for digging people out untenable situations, risking their own lives in the process, get the recognition they deserve? All of these people, and teachers, too, live in the background, like white noise that no one notices. We're upside down in our values.

My idea of prize worthy values would be more like this: honesty, integrity, and hard work. Perhaps these are “old fashioned.” I am reminded of the scene in Downton Abbey when Shirley McLain says to Maggie Smith, “You are the past, Violet. I am the future.” I may represent the old guard, and if so, I'm happy to be part of the past.

                                                   In the Spirit,

                                                        Jane

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