The Lack of Imagination

It seems that education is directly under attack. Whether it is economic circumstance or a concerted “conspiracy” to dumb down the general population, there is a growing and significant need for people with diverse and comprehensive educational experience (and this is not limited to university!). Certainly there are specific specialty needs; however, beyond the particulars of those fields, the overwhelming lack of a diverse and “liberal” education has resulted in the imaginative wasteland that we are now experiencing.

We are in desperate need of an environment of comprehensive and “wildly” inventive imagination. We face a multiplicity of challenges: over population, peak oil—water—food, predatory globalization, loss of culture, religious and political extremism, and poverty to name a few; and likely the most stunning challenge, an atmosphere and attitude of “no-opportunity.” 

It has been said that many of the tragic events that have plagued us over this last generation are the result of a “lack of imagination.” Wars, attacks, economic turmoil, etc. are the oft-cited examples of this condition. Rarely, however, is there an effort to understand or address the underlying problem. If 911 occurred because of a “lack of imagination” (according to the 911 Congressional Commission), then why have we not collectively addressed “imagination” in an effort at ameliorating our perceived threats? Further, we might assume that the myriad other issues of fuel, water, food, finance, etc. will require a dynamic and functioning imagination—but, sadly, this is rarely contemplated. To honestly engage with these issues, we must take this observation as an invitation to make effective change. We must also consider that the assault on education is utterly counter intuitive for where we are headed.

These issues and more are lurking on the edges of every significant conversation about our place in the world. What is the answer? Most of us “cannot imagine,” and THAT is the real root of the problem. So what do we do?  The answer is likely the most obvious, and the most overlooked or ignored—invest in the tools of imagination. Collectively and individually, encouraging imagination and creativity might be the single most important thing we as individuals, a society, a country, and a species do for ourselves. We have come to the place where, in a fast changing world, it falls to us individually and micro-collectively to provoke and cultivate the imagination,  to encourage new and thoughtful creation, and to support those efforts that are actively pursuing innovative answers to the issues of the day. This is a responsibility that clearly belongs each of us. 

Dumb it down

The country was utterly taken with Forrest Gump--"Stupid is as stupid does," he says. Wisdom without elitism. Over the last generation education has been under assault, not only from various special interests, but conceptually and ideologically. Pink Floyd's "The Wall," "We don't need no Education!" Movies that romanticize ignorance, politicians incapable of eloquence, and pundits who regularly vilify the "educational elite," are examples. I see the names of young people's musical bands, "Supernothing," "What?!" and "Dumb it Down." I ask myself, what is really under attack? Is it the perception that intelligence, skill, and education are not to be trusted? Or, is it that people with educations are not to be trusted? Or, even more insidious, is it an effort to discredit anyone with an education by forces with ulterior motives--conscious or not?

Watching the news I see story after story where wealthy and/or powerful interests are busy protecting themselves from the fallout of a poor or predatory decision by attacking the veracity of the critics, often using propaganda that vilifies the informers as elitist or self-serving (see any story covering environmental issues, for example).

Where does this leave us as a country and a society? If we constantly attack our educated people, vilify eloquent speakers and politicians, alienate the average citizen with the erroneous claims, and make education more and more difficult to obtain,  then are we collectively choosing a path that cannot end well.

We have to ask ourselves as we complain about the environment, the economy, politics, crime, etc., how does ignorance serve us? Schools are becoming more expensive--and therefore more elitist by definition. Competition and punitive elements have become the norm in struggling populations--attack the teachers if students are not performing up to "standards," rather than recognize the challenges and address them effectively. We have created a culture that says I must "lottery" my way into a good education. We make luck and wealth the prerequisites for a valuable place in society. In short, we are becoming crabs-in-a-bucket, scrambling over the backs of our friends and neighbors in an effort gain advantage--ultimately pulling everyone down.

And again, we must ask ourselves, "Who does this serve? Who benefits when we are ignorant, uninformed, and fighting ourselves? Who?"

Expect Something Better

I was in the little coffee shop I go to in the morning before work the other day and noticed a wall of children's artwork. One thing stood out for me--every picture was the same image colored by different children. When I saw this, my heart sank a little bit  and I commented to the barrista that I wanted to see something other than coloring between the lines, something original and creative.

Ah well, that was obviously the wrong thing to say on this blustery Tuesday morning. I won't go into the argument that followed (very civil, of course). The up shot was, "don't expect so much, they're just kids."

Needless to say, my soul shrunk just a bit that morning. I thought of all the children in the world encouraged to "expect less of themselves," of the adults overwhelmed with life and responsibility to the point where a clean piece of paper, paints, crayons, and other supplies, is too much. Then I wondered what are we really teaching our kids? Isn't it true that we most often teach what we know? And, if this conversation is reflective of the world, then are we not in dire straights when we begin defending mediocrity and "something less?"

Certainly, children play with coloring books, figuring out how to color inside (and outside) the lines. They learn skills, sense of color, how to recognize shapes and the idea of shape, and the discipline to sit and create. This is good! I am in no way questioning the place in child development for coloring books and the like. However, in the realm learning to be creative beings, what do we really want to encourage with our displays?

For me, the outrageous meanderings of a burgeoning mind is just so much more interesting--especially in a child!

BLESSINGS AND CURSES
ON THE
JOURNEY OF MANHOOD

Saturday & Sunday October 23 & 24, 2010

A two-day Men's Psychodramatic event
Incorporating myth, poetry, storytelling and
dramatic participation.

Led by Ben Dennis PhD and Ron Hogan MA.

“Then she asked him if he would rather take a small cake with her blessing to eat on his journey, or a large cake with her curse?”

In this experiential workshop we will weave the timeless oral tradition of myth and story with the modern therapeutic process of Psychodrama to explore the archetypal themes of Blessings, Curses, and the
Journey of Manhood in our Everyday World.

What has made you the man you are?
How can you become the man you want to be?
Please join us in this exploration as we challenge and nurture each other as men.

Date: October 23-24 Sat 9am to ~9pm, Sun 9am to ~3pm
(Meal breaks are on your own)

Place: 3414 Fremont Ave N, Suite D, (Fremont district) Seattle, WA.

Cost $150 ($120 if prepay by September 30. Scholarships available)

Contact:
Ben Dennis (206) 940.1773
btdennis@comcast.net
Ron Hogan (206) 782.1471
innergies@earthlink.net

Benjamin Dennis, PhD Mythology and Depth Psychology, is a scholar and ritual practitioner who incorporates a love of myth, fairytale, and the oral traditions with rituals of transformation and healing. He has participated in both local and international psychodramatic events. For the last 18 years Ben has been active in men’s work and has led and participated in rites-of-passage, traditional ceremony, and ritual process.

Ron Hogan, MA Counseling, has been co-leading weekly therapy groups and weekend intensives for the last 20 years. He is a nationally Certified Psychodramatist specializing in action/experiential, body-integrative, and energy psychology approaches to healing. His work is informed by his life-long exploration of psycho-spiritual systems and processes, 35 years as a licensed massage practitioner, and personal involvement in men's work since 1989.

Family Politics

Following is an exchange between myself and my brother over a couple of inflammatory viral emails that have been making the rounds--it is not surprising that they arrive during the run-up to the current elections. The viral emails concerned themselves with upcoming Federal Tax Legislation and were, by my simple research, heavy in propaganda and light on accuracy, but very frightening given the financial condition many Americans are currently experiencing. Certainly, the issues need close scrutiny. But, as I hope the exchange with my brother will reveal, accurate understanding and effective action are called for.

What is even more interesting to me is the tone of our communication. Families, communities, and friendships are being destroyed by the polarization that is infecting our political discourse. We no longer discuss issues--we do battle over ideology. As we war over our rabidly held ideals, we suffer and rob ourselves of the rich opportunity to bring to bear our incredibly vital imaginations to address the tide of problems we face in the world today.

Gone are the arts of debate and inquiry. They are replaced with shock-jock tactics and a whole pundits practicing the fine arts of verbal devastation--Sun Tsu would be proud--but with a wholly inscrutable agenda! For I do not for one second believe it is a struggle for the "soul of America." At least not as claimed by the talking heads spewing from our televisions and radios. No, it is something else. And, if we don't begin to work together at the level of home and neighborhood, we will all discover that while we were wrestling in the mud outside the chicken house, the horses, cows, corn, and carrots were all stolen! (sorry for the heavy handed metaphors).

Anyway, here is how my brother and I did it--and continue to do it. And yes, we differ in our political outlooks...

Benjamin Dennis wrote:
I did a bit of research on the statements. Most are erroneous or misleading. Some I couldn't find much info on. In short. The email seems long on fear and short on facts.

With the current budget crisis, there is certainly going to be changes. What they will be, I don't rightly know. How we got here, however, is rarely spoken about. From what little I am aware of, it is those whose hands got caught in the cookie jar making the loudest noise. Years of deregulation and lack of oversight allowed greed and lack of responsibility to take over what good sense there once was. I find this kind of email disturbing‹mostly because they cloud the issues and offer inaccurate information. That makes it extremely difficulty to trust anything that is said. If I am lied to by someone (omission or commission), then when they do speak the truth, it is likely lost on me. I don't trust any one group over another. And, given the tone of this sort of email, I am convince once again that those with an agenda will say anything to get a reaction. The sad thing is that when there are actual issues at stake, people like me will not hear the message because we have been fed lies and half truths too many times to listen. Remember the story of the "boy who cried wolf?"

In the future, I would rather see something accurately researched and verified--even by the simplest of criteria--before it is sent out. To date, I have yet to see this kind of email contain substantively accurate information.

For example, 10-minutes on Snopes.com refuted most of what was said here. Certainly not the best source in the world, but at least they cite their material and provide links directly to the legislation being referenced.

Thanks, Ben

Brother wrote:
Not looking for an argument here. Just passing along something that looked interesting. I guess we will see when we do next years taxes.

That said whats bothering me about all this is the root of all this. Without getting lost in the minute details of every little debate what I see is this. Liberalism is so much more than just politics. It's a philosophy that when run to it's extreme leads to socialism, apathy, and a lack of personal accountability where our actions and efforts will not reap rewords or punishment. At this extreme it is a lie that promises cures for all our social ills but delivers chaos. It promises enlightenment but removes our freedom and responsibility to do and think for ourselves. It also removes the consequences of being evil, wrong, lazy, or uneducated, or the need to be. People really do need to have this challenge to survive and they really do need to see and feel benefit or pain from their individual efforts and choices.

Conservatism is more a political method that when at it's extreme would lead to anarchy where our nature (good and bad) would rule the day. neither extreme is a good thing. To me the pendulum in this country has swung precariously to the left and much much more so in the last couple of years. One thing that seems so evident to me is that the rule of nature is at least much more natural. In that world having a strong work ethic and some wits would be a requirement for survival.

Socialism failed in Russia and other countries because of the apathy of it's people. There wasn't reason for anyone to be ambitious, work hard or think for themselves. There wasn't cause and effect at a personal human level for them (a basic human need in my book) This ultimately lead to economic breakdown. This is where I see all this going and at a pretty good clip of late. Anyone can see the problems in our society and agree on most of them. It's the solutions that are really the problem and the point of contention. Do we want our already overburdened and extremely inefficient Federal government to solve all of them and lead us to some Utopian ideal of society or do we want to be required to think, act and be accountable for ourselves more on an individual level. What philosophy should we subscribe to when trying to work out the problems.

Benjamin Dennis wrote:
No argument, discussion is important in these days of polarization and extreme propaganda. The difficulty for me is that, while I understand where you are coming from, and the general argument that is being made (it is a rather common one), virtually all of the terms (liberalism, socialism, conservatism, etc.) are either inaccurate or highly misleading--by definition. What results is a skewed conversation where meaning has been lost and emotions such as anger, frustration, misunderstanding, and even hatred take over. For example, a simple search for the basic definitions (even on wikipedia, if one looks at the sources listed on the bottom) reveal that many of the "values" you are holding dear are, in fact, "liberal" and a functional aspect of "liberalism." Conversely, many of the other dearly held values are anti-conservative and functionally "Fascist."

So, definition of terms is another issue that I am continually frustrated by when having these discussions. Therefore, I absolutely abhor leaving them alone when they arise because I then become party to the deception (active and passive).

This is why I am continually looking at the actual facts when emails such as these come out. Most people either agree--and pass them on as gospel, confirming once again a chosen position that is held with ungrounded ideologies; or, there is a knee-jerk disagreement followed by a violent harangue against "the opposition" as being rabble-rouser's, anti-patriotic, biased, etc. Neither position has any real validity without understanding the basic terms, validity of the assertions, some understanding of the history behind the moves, and a basic notion of who is perpetrating the viral email "warning" and why!

I believe what is happening is that there are agenda's in the world that have nothing to do with the ideology and fundamental perspectives you and I hold dear.

When nebulous names, titles, and descriptions emerge, I try to find out what they actually mean and then apply that knowledge to the overall content to see how the perceived meaning shifts the message. By asking why a particular "viral" message is suddenly making the rounds, as well as investigating the veracity of the allegations, the meanings of the terms, and "The Players" involved (both accused and accuser), one can sometimes see the underlying agenda, and that it has literally nothing what-so-ever to do with the claimed ideological point of view. It is my belief that the "agenda's" at work and those perpetrating them care not one whit about what is Liberal or Conservative as long as it serves further the goal.

For example, regardless of one's experience or belief in the ineptitude of the government, the blending of corporations and government (i.e. Privatization, etc.) is, in part and by definition "Fascism."

The scary thing is that those forces fighting hardest to make this happen are using both Liberal and Conservative values and ideology to sell the movement. It is classic propaganda--shift understanding while hijacking meaning to sway public opinion. All the while, selling that same public down the river for the underlying and mostly obscure agenda (an interesting read is the Old Testament story of King Saul, King David, and Samuel 1 Kings).

Of course both "sides" do this. The reason is that "both sides" are needed to cover the bases and keep the population diverted in their attention. I know, this all seems like so much conspiracy theory and, as you have said numerous times, the ineptness of the government makes such a conspiracy impossible. However, I would argue that there are a driving few that "are" able to hold it together, know enough of human nature to drop the proverbial pebble in the pond, and reap the benefits of the fallout. It is a predator's world and, as we all know, predators are a treacherous lot.

Regardless of conspiracies or agenda's, by doing basic research into the actual allegations and defining one's terms accurately, a very different argument emerges. You said that hard work, education, and personal accountability are key to our survival. I posit that those very same ethics and values apply to education and a functional understanding the world we "actually" live in. By "purchasing" the party line, we pay with our very lives, and we buy wholly into the chaos you so eloquently warn of.

It is a full time job being accurately informed. However, it is crucial for us as a people, community, and a nation if we are to survive what is likely coming down the road. We need informed imaginations, the ability to adapt and change our minds when called for, and the fortitude to see beyond the emotional hijack of the day. Personally, I find myself revisiting my ideas and conclusions on a regular basis. I tend toward liberal (by definition though I am very aware that this definition has been co-opted). But more than that, I am curious.

Following are a few references. I am using wikipedia because its information is easily accessible and, more importantly, referenced. If you read something that doesn't sound right, the references are at the bottom. Also, it is an opportunity for additional inquiry and research. No, Wikipedia is not an authority, but it will give a sense of the territory of meaning. It is always our own responsibility to question what is being told to us.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_contract
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberalism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitalism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism

By the way, I also cherish the times we get to play. The trip to California was one of the true highlights of this decade! I won't let our differences of opinion and perspectives get in the way. You are, and always will be my brother--and I am proud to be yours.

Your Brother Ben


Brother wrote:
Thanks for all that. I was unjustifiably hesitant to open your response
for fear that we would launch into another argument when I am about to
come for a visit.

As you said many people don't really do their research. In my case there
simply isn't the time. As is unfortunately probably the case with most
Americans. That being the norm I think we must go with the current
babble and the popular meanings of the words rather than using the
dictionary. After all it is what and who we are referring to when we use
the terms that counts. And the causes and effects of the policy's they
administer. No mater what you would like to call it "liberal, socialism,
conservatism, fascist" it's not hard to see the effects of policies
driven by the so named groups as well as the philosophies they seem to
subscribe to. In all this that is clear as day if you look at things
from a very wide angle. Name them what you will. And in that I stand by
my statements. And I strongly believe that the other party is the lessor
of the evils by a long shot. As evil as they may be. An independent
might even be better but to vote for any of them is a wasted vote in
this system.

One of the interesting observations that I find extremely disturbing is
the effects of the media blitzkrieg that we call campaigning. Thats down
right disgusting and I've come to believe that we vote our candidates
into office because we like their good looks and their catchy phrases as
much as for their actual experience, policy's and ideologies. Another
interesting symptom of this media sickness is the fact that by the time
the primaries are over we end up with two of the least desirable
candidates of the whole bunch time after time. Usually the ones that
have the most money to spend and are the more willing to say anything to
get the office. I remember when I was a kid in school and we were told
time after time that we had a civic responsibility to "GET OUT AND
VOTE". I've always felt that this was BS. I've always felt that we have
a civic responsibility to vote "only" if we have taken the time and made
the effort to at least try to study the issues and form opinions about
which candidates best represent solutions. Otherwise we have a civic
responsibility to "not vote". This whole thing has become nothing more
that a very expensive network beauty contest. You have three groups. The
right, the left, and the average idiot. Win any two of these and you win
the election. It would be interesting if we could take the idiots out of
the picture by "not putting on the big show" for them. This would be the
first thing I would do if I was King of the world LOL!

Well enough said. Yes that trip down the coast was a pivotal experience
for me. I don't even remember when I had so much fun. Looking forward to
seeing you...

__________

That concludes my exchange with my brother. Take it for what it is...

Implications

The question is: What are the mythical implications of what is happening in our society today? As this is going to be an ongoing inquiry for me, I will not try to answer the question right now, but rather begin the exploration into the images, stories, and movements of the psyche as they emerge. By approaching this question in this way, I am aware of a frustration that pervades our larger society. That frustration is in the overwhelming emphasis on "having answers." When we go onto the internet, or search through magazine articles, listen to lectures, ask teachers, or even contemplate issues for ourselves, we want there to be a definitive answer with a clear avenue of action. In the face of staggering amounts of information, along with the stunning pace of change, we each want some sense of surety and stability. If not, then we want a clear direction to go to get that confidence back! In the realm of contemplation of our issues, it occurs to me that an absolutist and declarative approach is the most readily accepted method for managing the immense unknown. If one "knows," then one can cope--regardless of the validity of that "knowing."

It occurs to me that the dramatic escalation of this kind of thinking is a symptom of something much more insidious than the changes we all see and fear--it is a symptom of a lack of imagination. Or, more accurately, the result of a poorly exercised and anemic imagination. We don't explore anymore! We don't hold the unknown as a sacred encounter with life, as an invitation to search (both inward and outward) for new and greater understanding. No, we search for discrete answers--the very lowest form of inquiry there is. After all, once there is an "answer," the questioning is over and the search is ended.

Medieval iconography did something important in the psyche--it provided an avenue for the imagination to apprehend the mystery of the divine. There were no absolutes in an iconographic representation of the Virgin Mary; rather, one contemplated the mystery of the Virgin Birth and perpetuated an ongoing relationship with the divine. There were no discrete answers!

So, in this opening up of my dialogue with what is going on around us, I am inclined to read Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Mahabharata" to find powerful enough images for the events of the day. If I ONLY watch Fox News or MSNBC, I do myself a great disservice. There is a line from William Stafford's poem, "A Ritual to Read to Each Other" that goes like this: "I call it cruel and maybe the root of all cruelty to know what occurs but not recognize the fact."

So, let's see what comes out of seeking, not answers, but imaginings.

Ask

There is a notion that says we have to do it alone, that pride and a strong sense of identity means we are sufficient to our needs, and if we are complete, whole, and truly successful, then we will have abundance to share with those less fortunate. The truth of the matter is that we are all “less fortunate.” There is no one of us that has it all, is complete, or whole enough to not need or benefit from the help of others.

Now, that said, the first thing that comes to mind is how important this statement is for “other people.” After all, it is not an observation that applies to me—is it?

Here is the rub. When it comes to understanding how to successful in the world, when we put our shingle out—put our selves out—into the world, we are asking for something. We are asking the world to come and try our wares, pay us a bit, and to give us the honor of using our services--what ever they may be. There is no businessperson, entertainer, politician, or professional that does not rely on the magnanimity of those in his or her circle.

So, when Keith Farrazzi councils us to “ask,” he is absolutely correct. Whether it is a relationship or a business deal, ask and you “shall receive.” Receiving a yes or no is an answer, a gift, a clear response from the world that has within it the immediate benefit of clarity and the opportunity to make the next step, whatever it is. After all, as the poet William Stafford so eloquently says, “make your yes’s, no’s, and maybe’s clear, the darkness around us is deep” (A Ritual to Read to Each Other).

So ask.