Big Talk vs. Big Action

Few things are more dangerous to genuinely crucial topics of concern than a false sense of interest based on a false sense of security. We have been taught from our youth that appropriate behavior for an enlightened society is to be multi-cultural and to show an interest in the world affairs and plight of those in circumstances less fortunate than our own.

However, this enlightened concern patronizes those who are actually in the situation by making it seem as though concern is something that can be afforded to the wealthy from a distance. Meanwhile we can sit in our air conditioned, publicly funded radio/television studios or comfortable, expensive coffee houses and debate in theory the issues genuinely impacting others throughout the world.

By debating we have a free flow of ideas and that free flow of ideas allows everyone some modicum of participation. One can feel connected to the topic by discussing it in the abstract.

But feigning interest in a topic or discussing it purely in abstract terms for the sake of sounding concerned without having an interest in the practical administation of the concerns or the practical needs of the HUMAN BEINGS in the situation is worse than not having an interest at all.

This enlightened conversation has painted these human beings as single dimensional figures and (without meaning to--the question here is not intent but result) paints a picture meant to serve as a warning, to prove one's knowledge, to express the deep sadness, but which does NOT accomplish anything practical or useful or real for those about whom one can only speak in abstract.

Do not allow the "enlightened" view of the world fool you into thinking that deep philisophical debate puts bread on the table for one single individual in need. Do not think that because you are able to participate in this debate that that individual somehow psychicly feels your concern.

Get your hands dirty. Be willing to go beyond your own safe, anti-bacterial world to actually make the difference.

DO something big. Don't just TALK big.