4 ms·

I'm always afraid of the negative attention with such political statements, but I most definitely feel left behind by America and am not a fan of it's prioritie

I'm always afraid of the negative attention with such political statements, but I most definitely feel left behind by America and am not a fan of it's priorities. I did what I was "supposed" to, paid into the system, worked hard, and when I needed help it wasn't there and common things available to me before, like medical care/insurance, were suddenly out of reach. I find that incomprehensible in a first world nation. I have seen friends in similar positions in countries with robust social systems rebuild their lives and live/contribute again in ways not possible without that healthcare/education/living support. I lived abroad for some time and was able to access medical care there I simply cannot afford here but wasn't able to emigrate fully. The "rugged individualism" attitude of the culture doesn't seem to have much room for people once they lose their independence whether it's their fault or not...which frankly I don't think should matter...but especially hurts since I am not at fault for my situation. I gave up arguing about it a long time ago as I've never succeeded in changing anyone's view and just get depressed at the debate. Only suffering it directly seems to ever change people, and some of those people still seem to attack other victims rather than the cause of the issue. It's a bigger problem than I can affect but I hope one day people aren't left behind in such ways.

marnett 9y ago
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, although I didn't intend, specifically, for them to seem political. I think your statements lie at the core of American society. My asking was more a sociological inquiry than a political one, largely because I agree with you, the problem is one that stems from all U.S. institutions with any large amount of power. Unfortunately I think inciting any large scale change is impossible. So that brings me to my next inquiry, aside from possibly planting seeds in the minds of others to think about the world from a vastly different perspective, what is there left? Many live comfortably never paying any attention to the spectacle that is our life, our society, our value - unfortunately, as you pointed out, many people will not look for more substance unless their life derails from 'how it is supposed to go' (the very norm of which is pitched from said institutions with influencing power). What is it that brings you happiness or awe? Satisfying your curiosity for knowledge? Writing out your thoughts on the world? I am of the increasing position that happiness can only be rooted in things of great depth, substance, and near-cosmic importance. I'm just curious to your thoughts.
- hestipod 9y ago
  I've pretty much been smashed down to a Flatland version of Maslow's bottom levels so the deeper philosophical ideas of how to fix anything seem beyond me. I have no idea what there is left in that regard because even those closest to me who supposedly loved me and have seen what I have suffered have all worn down into that distancing/victim blaming thing that seems to common in long term suffering. Were it not for a few amazing people I have met over my lifetime, only one of which who was family and who is deceased, I would not find it easy to believe anyone really cared about others. I am aware enough to know my views aren't all knowing fact...I just don't see how this country is going to change given how emotionally deep and how ingrained in personal identity the national culture is for so many. What brings me happiness? All sorts of things. Seeing my cat play. Seeing good people happy and healthy. Being warm and having a lower pain day. A good book. In the past I loved exploring and travel and was very active. Losing physical health was a major blow and I found the greatest happiness I have ever known in a long hike or run, or days wandering through a new city non-stop, where I was able to push myself physically and mentally to exhaustion, yet not suffer lasting pain for it...I miss that vitality so much it hurts. But perhaps what i miss most of all is the belief I had countless options before me, and no matter what life brought it would work out and I would have my loved ones around me. The innocent naivete of youth.
  - marnett 9y ago
    Your perspective has really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing. I know it might have felt vulnerable at times, but you have added to the way I see and think about the world, and I hope the change in perspective amounts to me being more true to myself and others. The world would be a better place if we all slowed down and invested in the community instead of the individual.

marnett 9y ago

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, although I didn't intend, specifically, for them to seem political. I think your statements lie at the core of American society. My asking was more a sociological inquiry than a political one, largely because I agree with you, the problem is one that stems from all U.S. institutions with any large amount of power. Unfortunately I think inciting any large scale change is impossible. So that brings me to my next inquiry, aside from possibly planting seeds in the minds of others to think about the world from a vastly different perspective, what is there left? Many live comfortably never paying any attention to the spectacle that is our life, our society, our value - unfortunately, as you pointed out, many people will not look for more substance unless their life derails from 'how it is supposed to go' (the very norm of which is pitched from said institutions with influencing power). What is it that brings you happiness or awe? Satisfying your curiosity for knowledge? Writing out your thoughts on the world? I am of the increasing position that happiness can only be rooted in things of great depth, substance, and near-cosmic importance. I'm just curious to your thoughts.

hestipod 9y ago
I've pretty much been smashed down to a Flatland version of Maslow's bottom levels so the deeper philosophical ideas of how to fix anything seem beyond me. I have no idea what there is left in that regard because even those closest to me who supposedly loved me and have seen what I have suffered have all worn down into that distancing/victim blaming thing that seems to common in long term suffering. Were it not for a few amazing people I have met over my lifetime, only one of which who was family and who is deceased, I would not find it easy to believe anyone really cared about others. I am aware enough to know my views aren't all knowing fact...I just don't see how this country is going to change given how emotionally deep and how ingrained in personal identity the national culture is for so many. What brings me happiness? All sorts of things. Seeing my cat play. Seeing good people happy and healthy. Being warm and having a lower pain day. A good book. In the past I loved exploring and travel and was very active. Losing physical health was a major blow and I found the greatest happiness I have ever known in a long hike or run, or days wandering through a new city non-stop, where I was able to push myself physically and mentally to exhaustion, yet not suffer lasting pain for it...I miss that vitality so much it hurts. But perhaps what i miss most of all is the belief I had countless options before me, and no matter what life brought it would work out and I would have my loved ones around me. The innocent naivete of youth.
- marnett 9y ago
  Your perspective has really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing. I know it might have felt vulnerable at times, but you have added to the way I see and think about the world, and I hope the change in perspective amounts to me being more true to myself and others. The world would be a better place if we all slowed down and invested in the community instead of the individual.