Navigating a Frightening World: Insights and Reflections
Written on
Chapter 1: A Realization of Fear
Last year, at the age of 58, I came to a startling understanding: this world can be quite terrifying.
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash.
Over the past 19 months, I've learned a great deal. Having spent most of my life in a bubble, with the comfort of being cared for, it's no surprise I only recently acknowledged the unsettling nature of our reality. This journey has been humbling.
While I yearn to return to my previous state of blissful ignorance in the new year, I feel compelled to share some insights, lessons learned, and a few critical questions.
Section 1.1: The Terrifying Realm of Politics
In the wake of a questionable election that sparked an insurrection, why are those implicated in this deception—the so-called Constitution assassins—the only ones exhibiting a profound understanding of criminality, feeling justified in unleashing their fury on our nation's capital?
Section 1.2: Global Politics in a Disturbing Context
Why are Republicans now cozying up to the Russians, especially under the reign of their most intimidating leader since Stalin? How can a capitalist dictator like Putin be viewed as preferable to a communist one? Some might argue that a handful of oligarchs are simply seeking favors from an autocrat who has little regard for democracy.
In my view, it seems that certain fundamentalist Christians are overly eager to engage with Putin's regime, focusing on managing a trade surplus that barely scratches the surface of what truly matters. Meanwhile, I remain blissfully unaware of the more scandalous aspects of Trump's social life, as I refrain from elaborating further.
Subsection 1.2.1: The Scary Interplay of Religion and Governance
I once believed that intertwining church and state was acceptable until I witnessed Betsy DeVos, a billionaire with vested interests in Christian-based education, steering Trump's Education Department. How does someone with such a background get to oversee a sector primarily serving public schools, which account for 90% of K-12 institutions?
It's clear that wealthy individuals often find themselves torn between the pressures to send their children to private institutions while also contributing taxes to support public education. Yet, the true horror lies in the societal expectations and the overwhelming influence of wealth on educational policy.
Section 1.3: Confronting the Scary Legacy of Historical Racism
I entered this world without the benefit of critical thought and am unsure if I can alter my perspectives now. The transition from using a pacifier to independent thought was daunting. Racism has been a persistent issue throughout history. Thus, it seems unreasonable—and even antagonistic—to expect white individuals to change their entrenched views when their ancestors largely ignored the need to dismantle white supremacist structures.
Forcing conservative whites to rethink their discriminatory beliefs is akin to asking someone with severe oral cancer to give up chewing tobacco. It's a challenging, if not impossible, task. Many conservatives perceive Critical Race Theory as a radical attempt to undermine their cherished traditions, which often include unexamined notions of heroism and patriotism.
Section 1.4: The Scary Reality of Leadership with Questionable Backgrounds
Yes, I have passed by a Trump Tower, and I must admit, they are remarkable examples of ostentatious architecture. Trump's design sensibilities evoke a bygone era, reminiscent of 1970s Dallas, adorned with excessive opulence. His persona is that of a flamboyant character, wreaking havoc on our nation. Who was it that he claimed to have shot on 5th Avenue?
Such tastelessness, coupled with a penchant for dramatics, is representative of Trump’s social media antics that showcase a mindless and clueless approach to leadership.
Section 1.5: Scary Science Informed by Economic Beliefs
Climate change is undeniably occurring. So what? It has always been a factor on this planet. However, the swift alterations in temperature patterns and rising sea levels are not typical, often taking place over millennia rather than the span of a single gas fill-up for your oversized vehicle. We must curb our CO2 emissions, right? But CO2 has always been a natural component of our atmosphere!
While it’s true that CO2 is essential, it’s the anthropogenic emissions that we must address. The sheer scale of human activity—over 8 billion people driving 1.5 billion vehicles—has never been seen before. Every home and building contributes to this problem. Yet, despite these alarming statistics, some continue to dismiss climate science, clinging to their ideological beliefs.
Section 1.6: The Dangers of a Pandemic Under Autocratic Rule
The mere act of writing "megalomaniacal" is daunting, especially without spellcheck. You might assume I'm referring to Trump; however, I refrain from making such claims without concrete evidence. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize the traits fostered in a system that prizes power over ethics.
Trump's handling of the pandemic was not typical of a genuinely malevolent individual. His intellect seems limited, shaped by an environment that nurtures a specific type of behavior.
Chapter 2: The World is a Scary Place
In light of these unsettling realities, it's essential to acknowledge the larger context of fear and uncertainty we navigate daily.
The World is a Scary Place - performed by Jocelyn Claire Thomas - A poignant reflection on the fears that permeate our society, exploring the complexities of modern existence.