Progressive Thoughts?

Progress. What is that, really? I just watched this film, right? And one of the protagonists put forth the argument that for today's world, progress is all about becoming more "westernized;" about adopting the values and attitudes of America and Europe and basically selling out to those same people whose ancestors once oppressed and dominated ours. Somehow I don't quite agree with this assessment of the situation: not only because wounds created eons ago have long since healed, but also because it shows a lack of "progressive" perspective. Living in the States currently has allowed me to glimpse both sides of the coin, and I've come to realize that it's like a trick coin with both heads and no tail. When we see a young boy or girl dressed in western clothes on the street, we all stop and stare, and some (or maybe most) of us instantly think: SELLOUT! But the question is, why? What people fail to realize is that the West is just as interested in our culture as we are in theirs, and allowing an easy intermingling of both could easily solve many political strifes that are unnecessarily created. To me, progress means exactly what Websters defines it as: positive move/transition; going forward. I feel that if we took the time to realize that most of us essentially follow the same religion (belief in ONE God or higher power) and that different locations, clothing or even language is NOT a barrier to peaceful coexistence, only THEN can we consider ourselves "progressing." You might say that I'm being a romantic idealist, and you would be entirely correct. I am. I am quite aware of the various other factors that affect us all, and stand in the way of this idea of "world peace." What surprises me is why people are content to point out the problems and possible solutions, and yet make no move to change. Yeah, one person cannot make a difference, but it needs to start somewhere, right?

I mean, think about it. Who starts fashion trends? Movie stars? Other celebrities? Designer houses? It hardly matters where it starts and how it spreads, because the point is, if fashion can start and grow, why can't one do the same with a good idea? You know what's funny? You'll read this with a smirk on your face and say, "Why not? Go ahead and do it, since you've thought of it." And you'd be right. Maybe I should. But guess what? Now that you've read this, how about some help? This is the point when you realize that you think it'll never work out, and would therefore be a massive waste of your energy and time. My father always says, "time is money." And he's right. It is, and money does make the world go 'round. But what if you decided to help anyway, and with enough time and effort, we networked to a great extent and it started working? What if? Then it's worth it, right? My father also taught me about "opportunity cost." Life is like a giant economic chessboard that we need to navigate through, Harry Potter style. There will always be a choice. I guess I do believe that our destinies are set, but I also believe that Allah / God / Bhagvan / an unknown Higher Power / an omnipotent Powers-That-Be or simply FATE (whatever you choose to call it), allows us to pick from the gazillion destinies that belong to us. I'm being rather unclear, so please, bear with me while I try to clarify this vision for you. You see, I'm thinking of a pond or maybe a tree bearing fruits. The water in the pond or the fruits of the tree are the various destinies that are set out. None of them, however, belong to anyone specific. This pond/tree is in the center of an enormous, confusing jungle. People pick out their own separate paths through the jungle till they reach the pond/tree. Then they either pick a single fruit, or take a single sip of water, and their destiny becomes their own. So we do get to make our own future, and find our own destinies; the only catch is that someone (with a very imaginative mind) has thought out every possible destiny for us.

Maybe this rant is getting too airy and vague and creative for you. Don't bother about closing this screen, because I'll end here, with this one last thought: ?