Wanting to have a positive impact in the lives of many is an admirable objective in life.
Many like to take up the cudgel and go do battle with the dark forces of evil, whether the specters appear in environmental or economic vistas.
Having been among the homeless at one time, I know for certain that the bleak picture painted in the media is not completely correct. Food and political atrocities are major problems, of course, but many people who have what we would consider as absolutely nothing can still be quite happy because they are with family and do not have to depend on material things to sustain a degree of security.
In our western society, it seems the majority have a materialistic attitude, especially the young, where everyone seems more intent of getting the latest iPhone or tablet than helping out the less fortunate. But you have to remember that many of the “less fortunate” are actually living very happy lives unaware that not having these “things” is a deprivation.
Still, wanting to help is admirable. Though most governments and charitable organizations throw money at the problem, the solutions can be achieved much more simply.
I am not talking about campaigning to change societies. Although the social conditions that lead to homelessness and poverty are like some mammoth Gordian knot, progress can be made on a smaller scale without having to move heaven and earth.
As a writer, I could write marvelous copy to draw people’s attention to the issues and the types of solutions that could blah, blah, blah…
As you can tell, that is not my idea of a productive method.
Artists understand better than politicians and lawmakers how to leverage hearts, how to motivate people to DO something rather than sit passively.
I am not saying my works will do any such thing but I can only hope that something I have written will reach a person in need of it.
Yes, that would be nice – like the author in the movie “Lady in the Water” – to know you had an effect.
But I really write because it makes me feel whole.
Sad, I know.
I’m so selfish.
TWayne Martin's Blog 