I’m inspired by young folx

Build back better. Blah, blah, blah. Green economy. Blah blah blah. Net zero by 2050. Blah, blah, blah. This is all we hear from our so-called leaders. Words that sound great but so far have not led to action.”

~Greta Thunberg during a recent speech at a youth summit in Italy, per the Guardian

Hello autumn, Monitor readers,
It seems that I’ve been working double-time in attempting to honor my 2021 resolution of staying optimistic. My attempt is not denying the record number of senseless acts of violence or the increase happenings of criminal activities nor am I closing my eyes and ears to the unbelievable polarization that continues to sweep through our mighty country and changing urban cities and rural towns; however, I’m holding on to the belief that the better angels of our nature will prevail as we move into our harvest and holiday season.
I’m also inspired to stay optimistic from the common-sense wisdom and insights of our young folx. The younger generations are asking the tough questions of why not and how come and daring and encouraging us to think and act differently. They are expressing their truths and hopes for a just and green future for all people; and they welcome the opportunity to work in inter-generational circles.
I enjoyed reading some of Greta Thunberg’s speech at the Youth Summit in Italy. At first I was shocked that this 18-year-old global citizen had the audacity to challenge the World Leaders on “their empty promises” with the words “Blah, blah, blah.” After my initial shock, I was grateful that someone finally stepped up and articulated the current status of the no substance that many of our world, national, state, and city leaders, in particular, our lawmakers are “Blah, blah, blah-ing” about. In fact, I hope to find the courage to follow Greta’s amusing example to call or name it like it is, in appropriate moments. However, I know I must start with myself, with my own “Blah, blah, blah” empty words and promises. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by awesome family and friends who have no problem calling me out and will name my “Blah, blah, blahs!”
On another note, do you recall or have you heard the story about the five monkey experiment? Eddie Obeng shared the story on a TED talk that you can find on YouTube. I know the story as a fable called “Monkey See, Monkey Do:”
An experimenter puts five monkeys in a large cage. High up at the top of the cage, well beyond the reach of the monkeys, is a bunch of bananas. Underneath the bananas is a ladder. The monkeys immediately spot the bananas and one begins to climb the ladder. As he does, however, the experimenter sprays him with a stream of cold water. Then, he proceeds to spray each of the other monkeys.
The monkey on the ladder scrambles off. And all five sit for a time on the floor, wet, cold, and bewildered. Soon, though, the temptation of the bananas is too great, and another monkey begins to climb the ladder. Again, the experimenter sprays the ambitious monkey with cold water and all the other monkeys as well. When a third monkey tries to climb the ladder, the other monkeys, wanting to avoid the cold spray, pull him off the ladder and beat him.
Now one monkey is removed and a new monkey is introduced to the cage. Spotting the bananas, he naively begins to climb the ladder. The other monkeys pull him off and beat him.
Here’s where it gets interesting. The experimenter removes a second one of the original monkeys from the cage and replaces him with a new monkey. Again, the new monkey begins to climb the ladder and, again, the other monkeys pull him off and beat him - including the monkey who had never been sprayed.
By the end of the experiment, none of the original monkeys were left and yet, despite none of them ever experiencing the cold, wet, spray, they had all learned never to try and go for the bananas.
“Blah, blah blah” – we can do better when we all do better. We have to stop doing things because that’s the way we always done things without knowing why. Why do we still have redlining in urban areas, why does America feel so comfortable not honoring treaties with First Nation Tribes, and why after another major oil spill, are we still reluctant to stop Pipeline 3? And, why is the word “Reparations” a negative trigger for some people instead of a positive trigger for repairing and healing generational mistakes?
I’m keeping the faith and staying optimistic!!!! I know things are changing for the better even if I can’t see it or feel it most of the time. I believe and that’s why I will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of having to petition or march to repair Oct. 12. Have a great month and enjoy October’s sanguine full moon!
May Peace Be In the Rondo, Frogtown, Hamline/Midway, Como, & Surrounding Communities...
May Peace Be In Our Homes & Communities…
May Peace Prevail On Earth (MPPOE)!!!!
BE SMART! DO YOUR PART! Get Your Vaccination Shots!!!