A constant puzzlement for me have been the expectations and rules that are set for us to maintain something that is restricting and a ban on difference. Prohibiting, monitoring, policing, minimising and keeping us from evolving as humans to our full potential is something that must be followed without any fact-based reasoning, without questioning because those who question spoil the fun. There are people who know better what is good.
Suspicion and blame, a constant negative outlook on who and what somebody is and can be, what one can become. That something being a life which is made for us to live on idea level, not us making our lives as we wish life to be. Since we must belong to be obedient and hide is or would be sufficient method to survive. Anyone who pursues a groundbreaking change to something that is seen as normal, is a threat. Threat of violence is a simple way to keep fear alive. Normal is the conspicuous consumption, gendered professional life, gendered looks, gendered everything, living for fun and to possess and think that is something personal and unique, something we choose to do, not because we must. Partly we do choose and think we are free, partly we must consume and be part of a culture, a monoculture which keeps a tight leash. Despite our yearning for unique experiences, stubborn idea of owning our destiny, our amusement and life choices, being in control and doing things in our own terms, we are quite a herd of single direction, followers. Independent thinking and going upstream is demanding, often asking too much because there is much to lose. How much are we willing to sacrifice for common good?
When we lose our independence and ability to decide for ourselves, possibilities to impact on how decisions are made, who makes them, how we are monitored and dictated or are we watched at all, without understanding how complex whirl of invisible factors and manipulating part takers there are, who takes advantage of how the world of ours works, what happens and why, we are lost. Many choose not to know or care. It is easier. Things we are sold are to make our lives easier. Mountains of plastic and electronic waste are not results of an easy process. It is only turning of backs to the problems and complexity.
Question is how to be and live in such a devious atmosphere where fun is hurtful without taken much notice, and many choices we make are taken for granted as they can be taken just like that, very easily, and are possibly the wrong ones. The right thing to do is to say no, refuse. Wrong happens somewhere we do not see, it does not concern us, we cannot imagine it because it is not us to whom the wrong happens. What is wrong then? It takes an empathetic mind to see how one’s actions inflict and affect.
Majakollektiivi Timanttimetsä 