a little off course

Generally I avoid political discussions like the plague.  It may partly be that I fear becoming too immersed, falling into the cynical traps and mindsets that seem so readily attached. However, in the last couple weeks I find myself sustaining pseudo close contact without suffering too many ill fates.

Distraction.
In any arena of life, from micro to macro, we are often distracted from the main idea... pulled into the petty squabbles, focus on the once insignificant suddenly becomes primary and minimizes anything else.  In a work environment, it takes away from effectiveness at completing tasks.  In a relationship context, it clouds the positive and negative cycles infiltrate. In a larger society, it drives away focus from the necessary and sustaining issues of health, quality of life, equality, etc.  Instead, our interests shift and our vision is clouded.

Nailing down the culprit behind these distractions, on all levels, is perhaps impossible and potentially complicated. Certainly, there's a level of base human selfishness, survival, pride, etc. involved.. at least in the micro senses of relationships and work environments.  But what drives the larger distractions?   Lupe says in Words I Never Said, "if you turn on TV, all you see's a bunch of what the fucks, dude is dating so and so, blabbering bout such and such.  And that ain't Jersey Shore, homie that's the news, And these the same people supposedly telling us the truth"

Again, identifying the root of the problem... the catalyst for the distractions... may not be entirely simple. The last couple days a fat old fly invaded my quiet apartment. It seems to find great pleasure in buzzing and fluttering about in the most inopportune moments, such as when I'm attempting to sleep.  What makes the fly such a pest?  Perhaps it's just behaving in a natural sense, but only at times am I bothered by it - when I'm less distracted?  Hmm.. maybe we aren't looking in the right place or maybe our attention is turned away.

Tonight I'm watching Batman Begins.  A line struck me... near the end, Ra's Al Ghul  explained to Bruce Wayne (Batman), that the League of Shadows takes it upon themselves to destroy cities who have become corrupt and evil - as a self proclaimed means of "righting the wrong" or returning harmony/balance.  Ra's Al Ghul said, "over the ages, our weapons have grown more sophisticated. With Gotham, we tried a new one: Economics."  Of course, the League of Shadow's original plan to have Gotham destroy itself failed, because of a few people who chose not to overt from the path. Whether or not you appreciate the plot of the movie (or the actors), the idea attaches in my mind to the idea of harmful distractions.

Apathy.
Is that the result of all these distractions, the next step and hopeful result? Seems as though we become nearly confused about where to target any concern or anger that arises.  After a while, of course it makes sense to rage about the inflated phone bills or gas prices, or even (dare I say) right to privacy and gun ownership.  Are we truly living in a world where these issues outweigh the focus on rampant poverty, lack of access to clean water, murder, rapes, child molestation, corruption in government, poor education, unequal health benefits... the list continues.

I don't mean to suggest we're just a bunch of heartless, selfish, misguided thugs running around blinded and complaining about coffee that's too hot... or maybe I do, at least a little.

Take a minute, think about it.