Dr. Woodson pleads a case for community over commercialism this Christmas season.
Happy Holidays, readers! “Epiphany” is a biblical word for when the Three Wise Men arrived to honor the King of Jews. But there’s another kind of epiphany signified by a flash of insight leading to personal growth.
I had my own epiphany one morning watching the hustle and bustle of rush hour. We working folk are essentially paid serfs in a corrupt system, enslaved at every turn. The trappings of modern life – phones, computers, conveniences – constantly sell us a diet of fear, bad habits, unhealthy foods, and unrealistic expectations. We’re sad, scared, and hurting inside. Looking for someone to blame (if not ourselves then a handy “other”).
The 1% wants us stressed out and fighting, so we don’t notice them stealing from us and our families for generations to come. Most white people would be surprised to know how much lying and deliberate misinformation goes into keeping society as “colorless” as it is. A big loss, for people of all sides of this equation.
If we can’t trust each other, how can we share meals together? Patronize each others businesses? How can we joke with and learn from each other? How can we work together on projects for our communities? How can we expect to survive against the oligarchy, if we can’t appreciate the benefits of cooperation?
I’m only half joking, but it’s a puzzler indeed: Why do we — the global majority — accept the unfair rules of a system that keeps us down and pits us against each other? It’s unfortunate how comfortable we are, believing the worst in people we view as different. But there’s so much joy in getting to know each other! It’s in our best interest to fight against the programming we receive, and learn to see all the love and opportunity around us.
As 2018 comes to a close, I’m more certain than ever that I will never stop advocating (and agitating!) for change. Coming up in 2019: true history no one’s teaching in schools. Meanwhile enjoy your Holidays and shop local. Hit me up if you need some suggestions.
Peace, Lorenzo
Read Dr. Woodson’s last column here.
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