Navel gazing? Perhaps... I can say that up until a few days ago I didn't spend too much time thinking about any off this. Day-to-day life rarely affords the opportunity or even inclination to ask 'the big questions', and yet... in less than 7 days into my marathon to chase The Marathon I have witnessed and experienced passionately held views and values that have either been as far removed as possible from my own, or have left me feeling apathetic and stale. Don't get me wrong, being far from home, and therefore all that is familiar, comforting and secure, has been riveting and thrilling, and being completely self-reliant after 9 years of not needing to be has been a positive challenge. Yet having listened to so many expressions of personal belief from those I've met and spent time with thus far has ha d a striking effect on me, especially those views have been so extremely juxtaposed. From the deeply conservative, protectionist beliefs of my first host to the liberal, inclusive views of my second hosts and their friends, the gamut has definitely been run. Yet there has been a common thread - Christian faith, a belief in Jesus as the saviour of mankind and a life hereafter. Pretty much all concerned hold these beliefs, and are proud to do so.
I think it's very easy to demonise those with opposing views, and I can say that my advanced state of cynicism and apathy doesn't prevent certain gut reactions. The everyday use of the 'n' word to describe black people; describing women in terms of being physical/sexual objects (and using pretty 'purple' language to do so); dismissing all those who have certain religious beliefs as being blood-thirsty terrorists etc - these things will and do gt my blood pumping. However, intolerance and suspicion of anyone who immediately or quickly appears 'different' to oneself, whether relating to appearance or behaviour... isn't there just a whiff of instinctive behaviour about that? Maybe it's how we decide or learn to manage that instinct that forms the foundation of our values.
"Oh good grief, this is all a bit deep!" I hear you cry. Well, yes it is. But for me, to be immersed, even for two days, in an environment of values and beliefs so alien, even frightening to me was a real jolt, and for a few very simple reasons - if someone holds such views about race, religion or gender, surely they'll have similar views about homosexuality. Also, if a person has such views and in teaching someone (i.e. me!) to shoot a gun, they encourage target visualisation as another human being, surely I should at best challenge these views, and at worst run for the hills! And yet... as I don't think I'm just a sum total of a set of values, so I can' think anyone else is. Also, just by being my usual self, can the chasm of difference be crossed? Yes, I do believe it can. Furthermore, I also find myself in sympathy with some of the views expressed during my first two days in the US, if only on an emotional level, e.g. 'if I have been able to achieve what I have, whether professionally, financially, academically or personally, why can't everyone else?'. Of course I know it's not that simple, and as the spectres of my father and Norman Tebbit fade away, I do understand that we are not all born into the same set of circumstances and opportunities. Yet the emotional responses remain.
But turn it on its head - in terms of my own life, I can see and understand that the economic situation is dire. Through no fault of the vast majority, public monies are very tight and so we are led to believe there is less and less to go around as debts need to be reduced. Accordingly, as I listen to passionate views regarding subsidised arts or healthcare, that emotional response kicks in again - who's paying for this? Still again, it's not and never will be that simple - it's easy to bash the NHS, but alternatives such as the US model just don't bear thinking about, despite what some US politicians and hopefuls will tell us.
So in conclusion, so far I have been dragged kickin' and hollerin' out of my comfort zone on this trip. Hoping this will continue!
PS Having realised the flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix (where I changed planes) was packed and long, I threw caution to the wind and upgraded to first class. A little extravagance that was totally worthwhile - drinking white wine at 9.15 am should only be done when a) on holiday and b) on a plane or ferry, if you ask me!
No comments:
Post a Comment