Of Grit and Greens - PART 1

"To see a world in a grain of sand or heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hands and infinity in an hour" -Auguries of Innocence, William Blake

I recently came across a journal entry I made several years ago. I was journaling in the living room of my cousin's home when I was disturbed by a loud noise.

"It turned out to be my cousin, whose basement bedroom is next the furnace room. The problem was that the furnace was squeaking incessantly, which is usually remedied by one or two sharp blows. This time, however, it didn't seem to do the trick. So, while venting her rage in barely repressed curses and Bruce Lee style attacks, the furnace continued to squeak. After giving up in a huff, slamming her door behind her, the furnace finally relented.

"As I observed this event (with more than a little amusement), something struck me. As a result of our mechanical approach to life, the very way we function is defined. We create institutions that run like machines, such as the furnace. And like machines, we use it outside of ourselves, dispassionate to its need or maintenance. Sure, if we have problems, we indentify the faulty part and replace it, perhaps even bring in a "repair man".

"More often than not, however, we simply give it a good whack on the side until it stops squeaking. And being that it is just a machine, what does it matter?"

From there, I begin to look at society- our schools, churches, organizations- wondering what it would be like if we approached that more organically. This idea has continue to foment in my mind and heart over these past years. I have even begun to fine others with the same ideas, emerging in quantum theory, theology, organizational development, education. I believe that this is far more than an ideological abstraction, but a key element to a better future in every way.

So shaped by the Industrial Revolution that gave us our current state of being and understand, we conceive of life on every level as a machine, a sum of parts that function in clearly identifiable and defined roles. Education is shaped by the assembly line of standardization, efficiency and productivity. Theology and philosophy become systematic equations, with everything in its place. Science continues its journey to define the world by breaking it down to it s smallest components, the micro-parts that make this giant machine.

Ironically, it is science, the champion of this flawed worldview, that is beginning to see the fatal flaw in this way of seeing the world. Quantum physicists are begin to realize the world is not simply the sum total of its smallest parts, but that in fact by breaking things down, something greater is lost, that not only are there no define "small parts", but rather that things on all levels exist and are defined by the complex place in the whole.

While this line of think could become a book (it is already too large for the average Blog), give it some thought. In a future Blog, I will explore an alternative to this mechanistic monster of ours.

To explore this idea more, read the book "Presence" or check out "Web Of Life"

A Movie By Any Other Name...

As anyone who has read most of my movie reviews will know, I like to look for deeper meaning behind films. It is not that I can't enjoy a film without analyzing it to death (What's to analyze in "Happy Gilmore"?), I think we often fail to recognize just how much these seemingly casual entertainment influence us and reflect who we are- socially, culturally and spiritually.

Perhaps the most basic theme in movie and television that sets my teeth on edge is its treatment of good and evil. With very few exceptions, people's moral character is almost absolute. The Bad Guy(s) attack/threaten/etc. The Good Guys. A Hero (or Heroes) appear to save the day. He/She almost certainly will get beaten at first, but will come back to defeat, and usually destroy, the Bad Guy(s).

Sounds pretty simple, but it reveals some disturbing underlying values. First, as there are usually the Good and Bad, the viewer is obviously going to identify with the hero, thus making themselves justified. At the same time, they can watch and vicariously enjoy the violence and evil of the Bad Guy, while pardoning themselves by cheering along with the hero when they win in the end.

Real life doesn't work this way. People are not just "Good" & "Bad". We are all somewhere in between. Rather, we are all the Potential of both. The myths of film teach us otherwise. Since we KNOW we aren't "Evil", then we must be good. And conversely, anyone who we don't agree with or have conflict with, must therefore NOT be "Good".
Of course, we do not function this way absolutely. Most of us can see that it isn't always that black & white, but it affects us more than we often realize. Why do think so many respond to concepts of "The Axis of Evil" and the "War On Terror". The issues are far more complex than they are conceptualized by the press or the government, but they had the desired impact.

The greatest loss, though, comes when you consider redemption. Can a Bad Guy become a Good Guy? I'm not talking jay walker, but the REAL Bad Guys. Most often, the Bad Guy is captured or killed. On the RARE occasion that they do have a change of heart, the almost invariably end up dying in the end anyway. Sure, we make it noble, dying to save others from the evil they caused.

Equally as rare, there are films and programs that portray people as they are- not entirely good or bad, but both. However, even then, they are largely sad, dark and often hopeless. A few exceptions exist ("Dead Man Walking" in film and "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" in television), but they are sadly few. I only hope that they will someday replace the dangerous mythology of our current cultures.

Another question is raised: Who is to blame? Do the movies shape the culture or merely reflect it? But that, my friends, is another topic for another Blog. For more on the topic, check out the writing of Walter Wink.

"In America" (2002) - Jim Sheridan

Perhaps one of the best and most moving films in the last 5 years, "In America" is a fiercely real and "emotionally raw" story of an Irish family trying to find a new life in New York City after the tragic death of their youngest son. Seeking the American Dream, the realities of life- economically, culturally, psychologically, physically- come crashing down around this family of four. And yet, out of the ashes, there is always a glimmer of hope.

The performance of real life sisters turned child actors, Sarah & Emma Bloger, as the surviving children of the family, is astonishing. While their performance alone merits seeing this film, Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton & Djimon Hounsou, add their gifts to the mix for a cast with real chemistry.

In the end, however, it is the gritty honesty and bare humanity of the writing and filming that make this film what it is. It is a must see AND a must own. Haven't seen it? Well, why are you still reading this? Get to it!

Visit the movie site at http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/inamerica/

"The Corporation" (2003) - Jennifer Abbot, Mark Achbar & Joel Bakan

It seems, of late, that documentaries have become more significant in the film (commercially speaking). With Michael Moore's popular, yet highly controversial films "Bowling For Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11", there is a powerful new medium for changing minds in documentaries.

(A quick side note here. While I enjoy Moore's films, as I believe they add balance to a very imbalanced news media, I wonder if these films should really be called "documentaries"? While they have some aspects of the traditional documentary, they are becoming more bent towards entertainment & propaganda. Perhaps a new genre needs to be defined. Just a thought).

"The Corporation", a brilliant examination of the history and nature of the corporation. As corporate law refers to these entities as "legal persons", the filmmakers examined the pathology of the "person and personality" of the corporation. What they reveal, while not necessarily surprise to many, is profoundly insightful and somewhat frightening. Based on Bakan’s book "The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power", it was especially poiniant for me, in that they addressed Canada as much as the US.

Free from the (sometimes) extremes of Moore's films, "The Corporation" is an entertaining, interesting and educational work that should be viewed by all. As it was no doubt intended to do, it will leave you with more questions than answers, pushing you to get involved where you otherwise might not even have considered.

You can visit the website at http://www.thecorporation.com/

If my Blog falls on the Net and no one's there to read it, did I really Blog?

Okay, so I am fairly new to Blogging, but I gotta ask myself, Why am I doing this? I mean, how many people are actually going to read this. I've been cruising through random Blogs and have found that most hardly get any hits, and fewer receive any comments. So why do we all do this?

I am sure there are all sorts of reasons. It's free. It's fun. It's a diary that won't kill trees. Because my friends do it. I can't speak for everyone, but here are a few thoughts about (maybe) why I do it.

I think, like most people, I want to be heard. Even if no one ever reads it, knowing that my thoughts and ideas are available for millions of people worldwide to read, is exciting, even comforting. Add to that the ability to say WHATEVER you want, as anonymity or false identity is as available as you imagination, there is a sense of daring freedom, free from the risk of censorship or judgment. While the first part of that reason (being "heard") is true, the last half is not, as I choose to reveal who I really am (or do I?).

In addition to wanting to be heard is my sense that what I have say is worth hearing. Here is where it gets sticky. Is this pride? Is this vain self-indulgence to assume that, with the millions of people out there wanting their voices heard, that what I think is worth hearing? I guess it all depends on what I have to say and how I say it. So, let's take a look.

For the most part all I have is shared my opinion on a few movies. Sure, this multi-billion dollar industry warrants some attention, but my reflections aren't so profound that they are "must read" material. In defense/balance from one review, I did talk about citizenship & identity, but not with any real depth. I've promoted a series of books that I doubt anyone will take the time to read.

Why I am I doing it then? And perhaps more importantly, as I ask this question, why am I writing it in a Blog? While Bill Clinton said it is the worst reason to do anything, I guess it comes down to this- because I can. Oh well...