In comments on yesterday's post, Amber mentioned that we must embrace the fact that we're part of God and awaken to the power that holds; Anon. noted the awesome responsibility that lies within knowing that we each contain both good and evil; Holly referred to the power of our bank books. Their responses (and others who e-mailed because blogger's acting like a toddler in the middle of a tantrum these days) got me thinking even more deeply.
Before he left yesterday, Pink Boots Guy and I had a long, loud argru. . .er, discussion about the power of our choices to effect genuine change.
I maintain that we CAN make a difference. If we're going to buy an iPod, we can buy the red one that generates money to fight AIDS in Africa. We can choose cleaning products that are safer for the environment. (I'm going to blog about this at JerriFarris.com today, if you want more information on how to clean green.) We can PREcycle when possible—it's just not that difficult to use larger containers rather than those oh-so-convenient little single-serving dohickeys, and we can all say NO to buying overpackaged stuff in the first place. We can REcycle. (Do you hear me, Jackson County? We CAN recycle) We can drive small cars (love you, Paula!), or better yet, hybrids. We can, in effect, vote with our wallets. And our vote can be to purchase consumer goods manufactured, distributed, and sold in ways that support the health of the earth and causes we believe in. One person can't change the world, but I believe we HAVE to be ONE of MILLIONS.
PBG says the planet's too far gone for any of those things to make a difference. He says little changes, even by millions, do nothing more than appease our liberal guilt, soothe us into believing we're making a difference. He dismisses the RED campaign as mere marketing, designed to create more of a demand for iPods (and other RED products) rather than an genuine fund-raising campaign.
I'm with Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Let's be part of that small group. We'll change the world.
4 comments:
Seriously,
Is it worth your energy to argue with someone who doesn't want to be part of the solution?
I am with you Jerri. We can all make a difference. Every action is important.
Love.
I'm a firm believer that the way to change all things in the world is for individuals to change themselves.
So hell yeah, each individual can change the world.
PBG's pessimism is somewhat understandable, considering how greedy our culture can seem. But there surely are enough examples of how change can happen.
Especially, as you say, when consumers vote with their wallets.
You are absolutely right, these things do make a difference. I love that Margaret Mead quote... Did you know that my grandparents were friends with her? My grandfather worked with her in Australia in the 50s and later wrote a book with her (out of print now).
I think I will bike to my lunch meeting now, not drive. :)
You're right, PBG is wrong. Period.
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