Category Archives: sociology
Collateral.
COLLATERAL:
noun: something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default. adjective: additional, but subordinate; secondary. .
The military mind has long been revered by its own. Structured according to the authoritarian hierarchy, each level of power is clearly delineated. Regardless of rank, all members know precisely the parameters of behavioral expectation. There is order, adherence to which is strict.
Not only is order the rule of the day, when military action is taken each arm of power follows a command.
Compartmentalization rules. All actions are calculated. Strategy and tactic are governed as such. Nobody speaks, or moves, without full awareness of the scope of responsibility and potential outcome. All this seems, on its face, to be a predictable way of life which allows each person the security of knowing his or her choices at any given time.
But, there is an unacknowledged factor.
Because of the strict structure, whenever a command to deploy troops or strike a target is handed down, all those subordinate to the commander must carry out the order according to instructions. If a casual observer, or random figure, or even a trooper enters the frame of established action the value of that person’s life is of no consequence. Such an individual has already been factored in as collateral, calculated as a potential casualty.
In short, if you are not part of the team and happen to be downwind or within sightline of a military action, God be with you. You’re dead.
Lately, the military industrial complex and the business model have welded themselves together. The implications of this cannot be overstated.
As corporations become conglomerates, and these form monopolies, the value of individual contributions is fast becoming a collateral calculation. No longer is a single, creative contributor protected by anyone, unless tapped by a player in the hierarchy. And, if the commander deigns to take an action, one better have a contingency plan in place.
Don’t let yourself be branded as collateral.
Preserve your worth.
Your are no one’s insurance policy. You are not a pledge, to be forfeited by default. Escape now; take solace within your own, authentic, creative mind, before you find yourself bleeding by the side of the road.
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© 2/19/19 Ruth Ann Scanzillo. All rights those of the author, whose name appears above this line. Thank you for respecting original material.
littlebarefeetblog.com
The Worst Kind.
“It takes all kinds.”
So we are told.
Being reminded of our diversity can bring a certain comfort, but I’m not talking about what makes each of us unique. I mean to reference what makes us desirable.
Oh, and, again, let me be clear: not holding forth on what is pretty, or sexy, or fine. No; I want to address what makes us good.
Goodness. Old days, this used to mean “without sin.” Well, in that context, we’re all cooked, but really. To be a good person is still a worthy goal, however you cloak it.
I’ve grappled, in recent months, with personality traits of my own which have caused both moments of reflection and hours of contemplation. Being known as “blunt”, or “harsh”; recognizing that those who still ascribe to the “politically correct” wait to pounce on any spontaneous act of authenticity.
But, beyond all this, I’ve reached a certain crossroads with respect to what constitutes a good person. All human frailty, weakness, affliction aside, that which makes somebody truly above reproach. Kindness? Compassion?
By the process of elimination, here are my conclusions.
The worst kind of person is not vulgar. Not harsh, or negative, or even – provided assault is ruled out – mean. The worst one is the person who exploits another’s trust.
Why?
Because being untrustworthy with, and toward, the trusting is fraud.
It declares, by its act, that reality is not an experiential right but a tool to be manipulated. Yes. I’m talking about reality.
What we perceive as real is heavily influenced by how we perceive the words and actions of others. Over time, as relationships form, reality takes shape around such words, actions, and interactions.
When those, who seek to, control others’ perceptions of their own actions, these warp the reality they bring to the scene according to their own intentions.
Creating a false image, or character, or scenario forces the perceptions of others. It makes a lie into an entire, cinematic expression which is then accepted by the other as truth.
“Living a lie” doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It sucks any number of other living things into its vortex.
The mentally ill suffer within such alternate realities, daily. But, how close to a schizoid frame of reference are we when we become unwitting victims of fraudulent people?
Trust isn’t a noun. It’s a verb. Submit to a life of verifiable truth. Be worthy of another’s faith. Prove trust.
This is about far more than kindness.
Take reverence for life itself.
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© 2/18/19 Ruth Ann Scanzillo. Thank you for respecting the right of the author of original material.
littlebarefeetblog.com
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