When I wrote about cyber talking circles (July archives) – asking people to comment about positive steps they were making using technology – internet, phones, tv, radio, etc. – I was looking forward to the response. At first I was a bit disappointed. You see, I set this site up to be open to all comments – but retained the right to publish or trash any comments received. This site receives many comments, but you won’t see many published. Most of them go to the trash. Because most of them are trash. Much like the spam emails that fill our inbox. Advertising everything from viagra to fake documents. So at first glance I thought “bummer, not many people using the internet in a good way”.
Then that voice – you know that voice – the tiny inaudible voice that rises up in your sea of thoughts … much like the breath bubbles of the creatures living underwater rise to the top of the still lake and get your attention. The thought was “Well… aren’t you a bit egotistical… thinking that if positive action comments are not being reported to you… well, there must not be much positive action taking place”. I had to laugh. One would think after all these years… I would have conquered ego and be awash in the glow of humility. Go ahead… laugh with me. Laughter is powerful medicine.
The voice kept bubbling up ideas. Get yourself in listening mode – open your eyes- go out there yourself and research how technology is being used. Sure I found social media – we are awash in social media. Some of it is good and useful and some of it is trash. Some people can ‘use’ social media and go about their real lives, and some folks have lost their real lives and relationships in pursuit of a fantasy they have ‘created’.
It’s those people who are ‘using’ media and technology to change the world that I was interested in. And they’re out there! The ‘occupy’ movements going on now – they organized thru twitter, facebook, email. The original group “Occupy Wall Street” seemed to have a clear purpose. As the ‘movement’ has spread, the purpose has become splintered. Support for an organization or movement fades without that clear focus.
Whale Wars – ever watched that? They ‘use’ tv, radio, and other media to promote their purpose. Their message is powerful and effective because they have a clearly defined purpose….they have a cause they believe in.. a cause to which they are willing to dedicate their lives. Their work is in an isolated area – and without satellite TV and the internet we would probably have never heard of them. They would be ‘doing the work’ – but we wouldn’t be involved – we wouldn’t be sending money or spending our time promoting their cause if they weren’t so effective in making us aware.
Still looking around… I’ll check back in and let you know what more I find. If I can figure out how to do it… I’ll set up a link button on this site so we can check in on those that are out there working for positive change. Send me a comment and link info to what you find… please.
Don’t get lost in your own thoughts – vette
