I've photographed more political rally's, parades, protests, etc. than I've been a part of. I used to do a much better job of keeping my views separate from my photography business. I've been warned many times over lately that I need to "be careful" and "watch what I say." I'm perfectly aware that what I post online is public knowledge and as I told someone recently, if someone out there can't fathom the idea of hiring me because they don't agree with me 100% then so be it, obviously it wasn't meant to be. And as another friend pointed out, "for every one person who doesn't agree with you there is someone who does or simply doesn't care and will hire you."
I'm tired of sitting by the sidelines and not getting involved or making my voice heard. Being unemployed during what has arguably been one of the longest running recessions (do I dare say depression?) in the history of America (although I'm sure economics, politicians and the like will disagree with me) has a way of making a person feel invisible, voiceless. You apply to one job after another hoping that somehow the words on your resume and cover letter will out scream the dozens or hundreds of others who are also vying for the attention of that individual with the power to hire. You scour the newspapers, website job boards and you network whether in-person or online. After awhile it all becomes a blur, a painful headache pounding blur and all you want is for someone to pay attention and give you a chance. And you can't do this day in and day out, it'll rip apart what remains of your sanity.
But you can't fight that which you have no control over. I'm back to repeating to myself the Serenity Prayer, reminding myself to focus on that which I can change. I've begun exercising, not nearly on as much a regular basis as is needed but it's a start. Reminding myself I can step out the door despite fearing what others will think when they see this overweight woman out walking, reminding myself I'm doing this for my future, for me and my dreams and desires.
I have no control over the nastiness that has enveloped so much of the world lately but I can express my dislike of the growing inadequacies for the poor and unemployed or underemployed. We need to join together and make our voices be heard again not just via the written word but in-person so that our elected officials know that we are going to hold them accountable. It's confusing to me that some people find it perfectly ok for our government to have spent billions of dollars on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but it's not ok to take that money and support the citizens of America. Our government budgeted $895 BILLION on defense but only $25 BILLION has been set aside for the Job Initiative for each state.
I refuse to continue feeling powerless and voiceless and allowing those in power enjoy their perks without earning them. I will not be stepped on and kicked aside any longer.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
"Make This Go On Forever" Snow Patrol
2 responses:
Well said on this post Sus. The media is often too constrained on one hand by those who say we should all be impartial, (Agence France Presse is a good illustration) and too free on the other by those who think impartiality is a myth (FOX is probably the worst of this type). I believe its up to us as journalists to navigate this ethical minefield in a way that contributes to our reporting. You can still be impartial while exposing corruption, you can choose also what you believe is right, and stand up for it in your writing. Nowhere is this battle more heated than in environmental reporting, thanks for drawing attention to it. I stand for truth and justice as a journalist and as a man, and I hope my readers trust me enough to accept that at face value. I also hope they have a skeptical eye and make these determinations for themselves.
In my humble opinion pretending to be impartial in the face of true wrongs is simply...wrong.
Thank you so much for stopping by Jeffrey and for your wonderful words. While it was months ago that I wrote this post I am unfortunately finding it harder and harder to maintain that voice as what little hope I cling to continues to whittle away. But clinging is all I have left and I must keep at it.
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