As I look ahead to my last four quarters at UW I cannot help but be critical of the lack of depth I have experienced the past two years and hope for more as time goes on. I have had countless conversations with my mother this summer expressing my frustration in regards to the lack of a cohesive grip on how to genuinely converse and connect with one another. I wonder if people know how to communicate anymore, as I see the people closest to me opting to drown themselves in copious amounts of alcohol not to let loose but rather to forget and not feel what surrounds them. Beyond that, there seems to be a decline in interest of growing intellect beyond a textbook, and so many seem to be disengaged with things that are happening in our world. Here, let me explain…
America and the World at large has and continues to experience countless acts of terror, hate, and destructiveness that is truly terrifying. I mean, we have actual human beings who will vote for Trump this Fall because they wholeheartedly feel as if that he is suited to rule as president. That is insane to me. However, what is more shocking is that so many people are only able to give an opinion as far as saying “Trump is a joke,” but beyond the highlight real of inappropriate comments, people are not aware of the actual damage he can cause. There is no real conversation about this dunce, rather half- thoughtful comments. Sure the same could be said within the democratic party, but we are beyond that at this point. This election has completely gone to waste, and we need to take control of our democracy again. This is pathetic, my friends. Let us remember to stay aware of the real issues and not just feed on muck at the surface.
A more personal topic for me is the Black Lives Matter movement, and not just the movement but why it was born in the first place. I remember after the Alton Sterling and Philando Castile murders I received only ONE text from a friend concerned with how I was feeling. Nothing beyond that. That really broke my heart and not because I wanted people check on me personally, but because I realized the lack of conversation around this very important issue. I thought amongst my very friends, and with a good amount of them being white, that made me feel very uncomfortable. Opinions on the issue aside, remaining silent will never do good. No change has ever come through silence. It’s just mind blowing that while being in college with some of the smartest people I will ever meet, many seem incapable of being concerned with the problems that are not directly affecting them or that cannot be solved with a calculator. It is almost unbearable being on a campus amidst innovators and creative thinkers from all walks of life and yet we can’t get our sh*t together to talk about real issues and cultivate possible solutions in order to create a better future for not only ourselves but our children. Even if you’re afraid of offending someone, that is the point of having a conversation so we can teach each other and work through things responsibly. I personally will not stay silent as we wait for another hashtag to trend (#BLM #France #Turkey).
There are so many things we aren’t even aware of because we are failing to engage in what is going on around the world, or even amongst our own friends. Is it because of the lack of wonder? Well here I am, wondering why aren’t we talking about it? Even if ‘it’ is not some social injustice because I know that it can be exhausting emerging in genuine empathy of all the wrong in the world, and we simply cannot be on all the time. However, talking about “it" could be telling each other our stories. What is the story behind your most memorable sunrise? What makes you feel lonely? What is the significance behind your favorite song? What are you insecure about? What do you love most about yourself? What is your favorite book and why? Last week my 4 y/o brother told me, “stories are good for your heart,” and that really resonated with me. It is amazing how much little kids can teach us. So, engulf me with your reasoning, tell me your story.
I know there’s conversation around the above topics I mentioned, but from me to you and as a friend, why aren’t we having them?... and if they are there let's have them more often. Let’s talk. We all need to start talking to each other again. Not just on a minimal scale because anyone can post a hashtag, but we need to be willing to voice why we are feeling and not just wait for someone else to do it for us. There’s plenty of time to talk about boy drama or the three girls you hooked up with this past week, but how about we appreciate each others time more than that. I mean if that is really what’s occupying your mind at the moment then go for it, but be about something more than that the rest of the time. I believe we can do ourselves, the world, and future generations some good if we actually talked to each other again. The beautiful thing about writing is that I get relief on expressing how I feel, but that can never surpass authentic conversation. There is no connection stronger than a love for one another brought through intellect. So let’s teach each other, and let us listen, and let us feel. Talk to me about literally anything, but just make sure you really talk to me. I want to here the passion in your voice about your love for cars, your love for the arts, equality, that song that you just can’t get out of your head, the newest gadget you got.. literally talk to me about anything, just really give it to me. The best feeling in the world is when you have the ability to vibe with someone's intellect no matter how different that may be from your own. Darling, you are so much more interesting than that drunken haze you cannot remember. There are BILLIONS of people in the world who will have their share of stories about the every day, but how about you tell me something a little less generic? How about you tell me about something real. Never forget that we are all living and experiencing our own reality. Our conscious is like our very own universe so full of wonder and complexity and chaos and beauty. Once you get a grip on that concept, you’ll understand where I am coming from. Aren’t you curious?
Just as important as the depth of conversation is our ability to listen to each other on why X, Y, and Z matters. Why does it matter? What does it make you feel? Stop simply waiting for your next opportunity to talk. I will never understand the same as another and it is inevitable that others will know something I am completely benighted by, and that is wonderful because it grants me a chance to grow. Remember this: Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance should be feared. Bliss is in overcoming ignorance. Listening is a glorious pathway to new understanding and perspective. So with that I dare you to be multidimensional and let a voice of another enlighten you and simultaneously foster a wonderful bond as you will always tie that lesson to that someone. How special is that?
We are all born with a voice and therefore we are all born artist as we can paint the most vivid pictures with our words, so give me a glimpse into your reality. And as we listen to one another we can string together a melody of a new lesson learned and a new perspective gained, as we let our heart dance along.
I hope you get it. Whatever you are passionate about, let’s talk about it. There are aspects of our relationships amongst each other as people that are simply absent, and we cannot find our missing piece and begin to love more without effort. Let’s begin searching for solutions by being real and talking with equal parts listening. I dare you to be extensive in many dimensions and be about something genuine.
Much love, Mi.
