Wednesday, May 09, 2007

My Concern: A Commentary

I wrote the below commentary expecting to make a brief presentation of ~ 3 min. I did not have to make the presentation, but did deliver a one minute abridged version. Since I wrote it, I thought I would post it.

I am concerned that our culture has become much too selfish, too me oriented. Observe the attitudes in the way we drive: "my time is more impotant than yours; courtesy and rules do not apply to me--I am in a hurry; get out of my way." Look at what we drive, vehicles that far exceed the necessity of mere transportation in both price and luxury.

Look at what we buy, large screen, hi-def TV's and elaborate sound systems to watch big budget productions and over-paid athletes in order to escape footage of war, Darfur, and our inner cities.

Look at where we live, houses whose size and design are exuberant examples of form over function; whose furnishings are so opulent they cost more than our parents' houses did.

We have become an "I deserve", materialistic society to such an extent that we flirt with amorality.

We are more intent on fighting injustice done unto us than we are in fighting the injustices we do unto others.

Yet, are we growing more content? Are we happier, more peaceful at heart or restful in soul? Do we sleep better at night? Based on the sales of sleep aids . . . well, you decide. Have we found our sense of purpose or does it seem ever more elusive driving us deeper into our consumerism?

I think it is time we seriously contemplate the advice of the great American psychologist, Karl Meninger, who gave this answer when asked what one piece of advice he would give to someone about to go insane. “Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, and find someone in need and do something for him.”





Money-giving is a very good criterion of a person's mental health. Generous people are rarely mentally ill people. -- Karl Menninger

4 comments:

JMG said...

My toes are sufficiently flattened now.
:-)

Well said, Tony.

Tony Arnold said...

Was not my intent to step on any toes. But I wasn't necessarily looking to avoid them either.

I ate a lot of crow writing it.

:-)

just the facts mam said...

Hi Tony,
I found your post while trying to find others who are on the TSA watch list, and I think you are one. If I"m wrong, sorry to bug you, if I'm right, I would love to hear what you've done to get off the list.

And while I was "here", I read your posts....oh how true....religious or not, we are living in a world that is "me" centric, in how we live, how we use natural resources, how we treat others....etc., so I found your writings admirable and your intentions noble, and that is the first step towards action.

thanks,
michele

Tony Arnold said...

Thanks Michele,

I had to use one my state senators to help. I did find that righting one of your congresspersons or senators usually gets a very good response. Typically they will have someone from their local office help you.

First step is to make sure you have completed all the TSA forms (see there website) and then go to your elected leader once that process graps out. They can't help you much if you haven't done the TSA route first.

Tony