21/8/10
Scraping the froth off of the deluge of glossy American TV, I'm captivated by something more significant; community media. I have gained valuable insights into the diversity of activities and approaches to looking at, engaging with, and solving some of the ongoing community issues here in Baltimore. Whereas, the big players on American TV go for ratings, advertising revenue, and project a class divide culture in televison advertising and marketing, community broadcasting gives voice to the fundamental need for communities tio be heard. Health, arts, enterprise, education, criminal justice issues, interegenerational, mental health, and so on are all solid platforms by which sections of the Baltimore community can find space to voice their issues in their own way. One such revelation was the Digital Youth Network. An excellent idea that sees the intersection of education and technology as both a tool for empowerment and innovation for young people in Baltimore. Another significant facet of community engagement in Baltimore is talk radio. Many of the issues that are skirted over on TV are addressed fully and comprehensively on talk radio. Observing community based media approaches such as this highlights a very powerful way communities can have a voice and liberate themselves from social and cultural invisibility.
Today I found myself meeting with Phil Leaf (Director of Mental Health Service - Youth Violence prevention) at Johns Hopkins University. With such an awesome reputation It was daunting at first, but Phill made me feel welcome. We proceeded to discuss issues of mutual concern, as well as him giving me a wad of new contacts, meetings, and leads. He has also provided me with space in his department to work from. In listening to Phil's wisdom and insights, I am reminded of much this trip is a learning experience. The following wisdom story underpins where I feel my head has been and now needs to be.
Obstacles
In the village of Carifa the King had a large boulder placed on a roadway. He then hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wisest subjects came by and simply walked around it. Others just looked at it and walked back the way they came. Many cursed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none of them did anything about getting the large boulder out of the way. Now Sankofa the wise man came along carrying a load of vegetables and upon approaching the large boulder tried to move it to the side of the road. After much pushing and shoving, he realised he would have to resort to a different approach. So he found a large piece of wood nearby, jammed it underneath the large boulder and moved it to one side. Sankofa then picked up his vegetables and was about to leave when he noticed a purse that contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The King appeared and congratulated Sankofa for being wise enough to move it.
“Why did you remove the boulder Sankofa?” asked the King,
“Every obstacle presents us with an opportunity to improve things” Sankofa replied. He then took one gold coin and handed the rest back to the King.
“Greed is also an obstacle. Selling my vegetables will get me what I need”. Sankofa went on his way and left the King to ponder on what he had said.
As Sankofa wisely says 'Every obstacle is an opportunity to improve things'. Knowing how to remove them is one thing, what to do when they are removed in another. A big learning day.
Peace
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