Apathy Kills
Written by: Lawrence Ciarallo Posted by: Chris Fetherston | February 27th, 2009
There is something chaotically beautiful about democracy in-action [inaction]. There is death, exploitation, and disinformation but there is also free speech, revolution and progress. What we rail against is the very foundation of what supports our counter point: our condemnation of a system.
Placards held high those without “power” serve snippets and catchphrases that so eloquently or naively huck bricks at the pillars of capitalism; as if bumper stickers and buttons have ever done anything to further a cause. Words are in that same vain, as they only serve the mind’s eye.
Shedding light when the apropos time permits such vain and self-serving reflection. We are not fools to be manipulated by cathode rays and justified text. We are much more than office buildings, designer clothes and $1,000 a month apartments, we are the daughters and sons, the descendants of the “greatest generation.” For all their racist, and progressively retarded, flaws the “American Dream” breathed fresh air from the ingenuity and vibrancy of their devotion. A dream, pushed forward by the civil rights generation, that has been abandoned, not only by cronies on Capitol Hill and Wall Street alike, but by those who would rather exercise ignorance above all else.
Somehow we have become complacent in chasing the dreams of our forbearers. A belief that what does not directly affect us will somehow fade away: a problem to be dealt with by others, at a less convenient time. That decision should not, and shall not, be burdened upon those who had no part in the construction. This call to action is not one of contempt or accusation: this is a rallying cry to all those who stand on the sidelines, thinking that their intellect and participation is irrelevant and unwelcome. An invitation is extended, to join the conversation and action towards the perfect union so many have fought for, and died to preserve.
Lawrence is a Graphic Design student at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Feel free to contact him here to discuss his ideas, opinions and values.