How loud does the alarm have to ring?
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So often, I hear about the need to raise "awareness." So much so, that awareness and consciousness appear to have become the goals: ends in and of themselves. If only we were conscious of whatever is deemed worthy of recognition, it seems most folks would be mighty satisfied.
My first question: When exactly does all this awareness translate into productive action and tangible change?
WATCH VIDEO: Cronkite Remembers: Environmental Awareness
We're aware of global warming and its causes, factory farming, environmental degradation...and so on. We know about it. We talk about it. We write about it. We complain about it. We hold meetings, talks, seminars, and classes about it. We march about it. We make signs about it. But how much change is taking place?
My second question: Is awareness overrated?
Some Awareness for Ya:
5 Ways to Best Experience Awareness
1. Without Guilt
Often, http://www.mickeyz.net/news/mickeyz/full/arlington_barnes_noble_march_27_videoswhen I give a talk, I'm told that my dose of reality just takes people feel guilty. I've learned I cannot control how folks react to my work but that doesn't mean I can't suggest a little perspective. When made aware of how our way of life contributes to global problems, we have a choice: curl up into a guilt-induced fetal position or revel in our new worldview. Choose revelation over shame.
2. Without Disempowerment
The powers-that-be would love if we felt overwhelmed by the scope of our eco-crisis and powerless in the face of what needs to be done. But if want a saner culture, we must not succumb to such feelings. Instead, we can recognize that the most powerful force on the planet is us. There are folks out there who want to take away our rights. Instead, we should be joining together to take away the right to pollute, to exploit, to wage war, to steal, and to treat all living things as if they were expendable.
3. A Step Toward Re-Connecting
If our new-found awareness inspires us to look upon all living things as part—along with ourselves—of one collective soul, it would become impossible to live in denial about ocean trawling, forest clear cutting, mountaintop removal mining, fur farms, and more.
4. Inspiration Toward Action
The greatest power of awareness is as a catalyst toward action. As long as 80% of the world's forests are gone, animals are tortured in labs, child labor is commonplace, and the Third World is viewed as repository for cheap labor and resources, the concept of justice does not exist. That's where we come in.
5. Inspiration Toward New Ideas
The current patterns of dissent in America are long overdue for re-evaluation and overhaul. The powers-that-be have long ago figured out how to either marginalize or co-opt dissent. Our tactics must evolve.
