Addendum

[lionessrampant4]

I just...I don't want to become as negative and cynical as the people I'm dealing with. I am so sick of hearing the words "can't work" and "won't work". How can you possibly know that something's going to fail without actually TRYING IT? Go through all of the possible outcomes in your head. What exactly is it that you have to lose here?

I don't

Comments

[lookingabove]

Um, WHO is this not-for-profit counselor?
She...shouldn't be there.

I'm with you, and I work for an organization that DOES feed people in "third world" "developing" "poor" "enter whatever term won't ever work effectively to describe anything" nations.

Here's the thing. It's not about "poor" because "poor" is a construct. It's a word. My perception of poor is different than your perception of poor, as is my concept of "enough" and "wealth" and "well-being". When I was in Nicaragua, I cried for the people I met who were undernourished and had no opportunity for education and had to worry for their children a hell of a lot more than anyone I've ever met - who showed ME grace, love, and above all, hospitality. Understanding existence, and humanity, and God - has nothing to do with money.

Music can be free. Music can be freeing. Music is a tool of our hearts. And while it's important to provide food and clothing, that's the "easy" charity, the obvious one. I've told people who have asked me "how I do it" that I took the easy route. It's concrete, it's needed, it's easy to support. The people I really admire are those that provide for people higher up on the scale, who need help in their hearts, their heads, and their souls.

So. I'm with you. I'm sad for the pretentiousness that is associated with music appreciation. I admire my little sister for going into music therapy, and wanting to work with guys coming home from war.

Don't give up hope.

[lionessrampant4]

I just think that what you experienced in Nicaragua is something that can be fostered through music. Music isn't the only means, of course, but it's a very good one. It's about helping EACH OTHER. Feeding EACH OTHER'S souls. Showing each other what is in our hearts, and then being understanding of the humanity in each of us.

The way Western society seems to be set up is just...dichotomy after dichotomy. This versus this. That versus that. I mean, even think of the modern-day Roman coleseum that last year's election way!

I just think that maybe if we realized that we're an us, rather than a series of thems, we'd stop killing and maiming and leaving each other for dead. I think that music is a very potent example of a number of things that could foster this.

And yet...we're considered "an extra" and can't get funding. I wish all music everywhere could have like a "call in gay" week and we'll see how many people still think it's an extra after that.