Thoughts of a Random Nature

A few summers ago I read the novel Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. It was published in the early 1950s, on the cusp of notable events such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Red Scare (Communism). The novel follows a young and educated black man, whose name is never revealed. The story begins with him as a student at a southern college but following a series of crazy events he is kicked out of the school. He moves to New York City and becomes involved with communism and black nationalism. Throughout the novel he suffers humiliation and struggles with never being looked at as a human being (this is why I believe his name is never given). The story is told in flashbacks  and the narrator comes to release the hatred and hurt he had carried around for so long by telling his tale.

This isn’t a book review or critique; instead I want to look at the term “Invisible Man” and how change can come about and statements can be made simply by sharing one’s experiences. Often times it’s easy to feel as if there’s no way you can make a change or any kind of imprint on the world. After all you’re just one person. I know I’ve felt this way on several occasions, whether it’s wondering why anyone would be interested in reading what I’ve written or doubting the value in signing petitions and fighting for causes I believe in. It’s so much easier to succumb to The Powers That Be and figure there is no hope. But then I realize that even though a cause or movement may have a face attached to it, they didn’t do it by themselves. Instead they had several nameless people behind them, not worrying about making a name for themselves but determined to have their say. This has made me stand up for issues I feel strongly about, from littering to birth control.

I admit, a few days ago I thought about ending my blog. I enjoy writing it but I wish it was like one of those huge blogs everyone knows. Of course I’ve only been writing for two months so I guess I have to be a little patient on that front. But then, like the narrator of Invisible Man, I realized how much this blog has helped me grow. I’ve become more comfortable sharing my thoughts and writing with the world. And the comments I’ve gotten from acquaintances saying how much they like it and can relate to some of the things I talk about is just really awesome. If the random thoughts floating through my head that manage to make it on to this site is a help to anyone…well that’s a great feeling, it really is. It just reminds me that you can inspire and help in ways you may not even know. And no matter how small your say or imprint is, it’s there .

Have you ever learned a valuable lesson just from listening to someone’s story or experience?

J

P.S. Happy Spring!

I have been using social media for years yet I’ve never fully embraced it. I joined Facebook in 2005, a few months before I went to college, and while I had fun with it for a while the novelty wore off rather quickly. To this day I activate my account in spurts, instead preferring to keep in contact via phone or email. Twitter is rather new for me, as I’ve only been part of the Twitter-verse for roughly three weeks. So far I’m liking it a lot more than I thought I would. There’s something about releasing random thoughts (ha ha) and ideas that’s kind of cathartic. Then of course, there’s blogging, which I find very fun, relaxing, and creative.

I’ve ran through these experiences to discuss a deeper topic: activism. With a major election at the end of this year, sticky issues (i.e. taxes, jobs, federally funded birth control) and policies are going to be in the spotlight from now until November. Last night on Twitter I noticed several people posing questions and rebuttals to the State of the Union address and its Republican response. Facebook also had some deep discussions going on, not just about the address but the Republican primaries as well. Some of these discussions devolved into arguments, but some remarks were really thought-provoking. And I’m noticing how some of these conversations are inspiring people to take that extra step by joining campaigns or actually protesting.

Over the past year though some of the biggest protests in the world have been organized via Facebook and Twitter. Look at Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street. Millions wrote of their dissent and disgust against the SOPA legislation just last week (January 18).

I used to think social media was a fad, kind of like chat rooms back in the 90s (remember those?). I don’t even know if chat rooms still exist but they were kind of a blueprint for the social networking sites today. Anyhow, I digress. I always used to believe that Facebook and Twitter were only to discuss banal topics such as what one had for breakfast that morning.  Sure there were times where huge national protests were organized and publicized but come on, that’s a one in a million thing (so I thought). But now that I’m becoming more steeped in social media I’m learning that talking to others and putting your voice out there really can make a difference. When I first started using Twitter, I had no idea what to say. I used to hold back voicing my opinion on issues because I didn’t think it would matter. And maybe it won’t, but it feels good to be part of something. To know that I may play a small part in shaping policy and laws that will affect us for years to come. Lately I’ve even been strongly considering taking that extra step and volunteering for the president’s campaign.

Have you ever used social media to protest or argue for a cause? Do you think Facebook and Twitter will come to play an even larger role in activism and politics?

J