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"Free State of Jones" was an incredible film. I think everyone should take the time to watch and really reflect on a bit of American history. It tries to reflect what life was like during the Civil War and the lives of those individuals that opposed the way of Southern law/living conditions for African Americans.
There was a scene when they took down the Confederate Flag before raising an American Flag, which made me reflect on our current condition in the United States. I see a lot of hatred posts for those that choose to uphold their civil liberties and sit during the National Anthem. I guess this helps give more perspective on what it means to be an American, how corrupt our government is and has always been, and how perseverance for change is incredibly difficult; moreover, it seems to be a characteristic in individuals that have resolve, individuals that overcome adversity in the face of oppression, and individuals that are willing to make the sacrifice to enact equality in a country where it doesn't exist. All I can say is that I really find it admirable.
I went back to school so that I could be in a position to help individuals one day. I get to take the next step in less than a year, but I wonder which direction I should choose. What will have the greatest impact or what will serve as the greatest good for people, for humanity?
After living in the Philippines, I had my mind set on creating an NGO that helped give indigenous tribes and villages sustainable/renewable energy, and a means to harvest food year-round. My thought process was to help create ways for these families to have access to running water and sanitation, but also to make them self-sufficient. Maybe this isn't the best way to help the most people. Maybe the reach isn't what is important, but what is built that matters - the relationships.
I find myself stuck on the idea of teaching empathy to children and the impact it could have on things like war, famine, and inequality. These are all very real issues all across the world. However, here we are fighting about pop culture, which is highlighted by the ignorance of a society that is vastly under educated on pretty much everything that isn't reality television. There are psychological conditions that seem to keep individuals from crossing certain borders that do not necessarily correlate to their own well-being, but I think most of America is actually letting crucial events take place without any fight or input. Our country was founded on federalist principles that include popular sovereignty - meaning, the people have the power! I feel like we are willingly giving it away, which leads to our current position as a society and culture.
Context: I wrote this sometime last year after watching "Free State of Jones" and just felt compelled to express my feelings on the state of America and the world.
Free State of Jones IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124037/?ref_=nv_sr_1
