The statement suggested that those people with the influence and financial backing to make a major difference in the lives of the less fortunate are often unwilling to do such.The poet is also disgruntled at the fact that the government finds time to take over smaller countries while its own people at home are suffering. So while multi-million dollar drones were sent into Iraq, enough regular boats and helicopters failed to make it to a disaster struck area on the mainland itself.
It is very consoling to learn that Black Ice was not entirely right. This "Making it Right" project, spear-headed by actor Brad Pitt, has shown that there are still some beautiful souls around and that in the face of adversity, you might still be able to find a helping hand. It is admirable how one man has initiated such a grand undertaking, and in the process solicited the volunteer efforts of architecture companies throughout the world (as to whether or not they are all genuine in their efforts is a different matter).
The hope is that "The Big Easy" will be restored to former glory, that the city will once again become solely synonymous with great jazz music, gumbo, crawfish Etouffee and Mardi Gras and shed its newly developed persona of the hurricane ravaged city within which sits a highly populated, poverty stricken and gang infested black community that is seldom given any reason to hope.
Author of books such as "Male and Female" and "Coming to Age In Samoa" Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." It is with this hope that we should go forward, not seeking a change in the entire world, but in one single community, maybe that's where it will all start.
I really enjoyed your blog. I think that some people are quick to provide a helping hand on a global level rather than looking at problems in their local communities. There are definently people in 3rd world countries that are less fortunante than American citizens, but our country faces simular problems of natural disasters, homeless people, hunger, and poverty that needs help. There needs to be more people that recognizes problems that are right before their eyes and do something about it. I think we have the responsibility to serve our communities by always seeking improvements. We have a direct connection to our communities because we care about the people that live around us. We need to act as honorable citizens that work together to make a difference. Together we have the ability to improve the quality of life from the large and small scopes within our country, states, cities, and communities. As designers, we have many opportunities to act. After you finish school, where is there a community, or area you think you may seek to improve? How do you think we need to approach getting support and other citizens behind us? I think the biggest problem with helping others is there is a lot of talk and planning and very little actions. I think intensions are no good without seeing them play out before your own eyes. How do you plan to be an activist in your community?
ReplyDeleteI think that first and foremost, one has to lead by example. If I can first do a small part maybe volunteering at a community group or sponsoring a community project, that would be a good start. Also, I would love to be an active participant in programs such as "Make It Right" or "The Rural Studio". Ultimately though, I think that it is the mentality of people in general that needs to change because it is all well and good to help as much as you can, but one can only do so much. Therefore if I can do or say something to influence a change in mindset of people in general so that they could see themselves as part of a larger world community, then maybe we just might start to become our brothers keepers.
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