If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.
– Booker T. Washington
Monday, February 3, 2020
A Star Among Stars
From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, the Five of Fire (Wands)/Blaze; from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Manta Ray:
Americans seem to be trained from an early age to make an effort to shine brighter than anyone else. We grow to hate having our way of doing things questioned, much less replaced by something new. So it's no wonder that we resist the brightness of others when it means we might be in the shadows. The Manta Ray has been given a bad rep because of its size (up to 23 ft. in width) and the shape of its body (giving it the nickname 'devilfish'). But these creatures of the deep are actually curious and friendly, not dangerous. The misinformation about them is similar to the training of young minds who are warned to eschew humility and cooperation for being number one. But competition isn't all that's advertised; anyone who's lived this lifestyle and mindset knows that it's only a matter of time before one's pedestal is knocked over. On the other hand, a multitude of stars will create much more light than just one.
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I see not wanting to change the status as a European mindset, but you are correct, we are very our way or the highway. While in actuality we are across the ditch and in the puckerbrush, driving at full speed...
ReplyDeleteYou are right that Americans are not alone, but we seem to have honed this mindset to a fine edge. As a friend of mine says, "I don't know where I'm going, but I'm making damn good time." :)
DeleteI appreciate that I started First Grade at six, and not pre-pre-pre-kindergarten. The push to start earlier and earlier to get farther and farther just wears everyone out.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to kindergarten, it was mostly to learn how to get along with others. I think part of the push now (from the educators at least) is to identify early those who may have learning difficulties.
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