The Inevitable

I've been in Mexico for a little over a month now, and I continue to feel like I've taken a very necessary step in the right direction. Has it been an easy step? No. Especially when everything seems to go out of its way to remind me that I am not from here. As if I'm not already aware. The food. The water. The people. What will come of it? I have no idea. Yet, I still find it very necessary. Mostly because I've had the opportunity to talk w/ many people about Latin America, globalization, humanity, immigration, Mexicans, Americans, Mexican-Americans. Specifically about what effects they feel any of these topics has had, regardless if they're negative or positive, on their life. I've been fortunate enough to meet people that have made me question what I believe, and others who have brought up points that I might have overlooked. How great would it be, if overall, we could live in society that was not only critical, but capable of admiting fault? Of boldly changing situations and systems for better ones. A society that accepts progressive ideals when they first become available, and not after blood has been shed or war waged. I guess we're all just afraid of change. MLK was assasinated on April 5th, 1968. The 40th anniversary was 5 days ago. Civil rights is considered as something very undeniable in this moment in time, but a mere 40 years ago it was considered unthinkable. Worst of all, unacceptable. The same goes w/ feminism, gay rights, environmentalism, etc. The fact that conservatives in the American government continue to be afraid of socialist revolutions in Latin American countries and in the world over, only serves to validate that disparities in wealth do exist and should be changed. Progress has been made. We're slowly, but surely, moving towards a more just society. A society where the majority of a population won't have to risk their lives in order to eat. A world where people can enjoy the type of life that we in the United States take so much for granted. The simple things. Food. Clean water. Education. The ability to immerse myself in a different culture, in order to learn more about my past and my future. Does this mean that society should remain idly by, because progress is "inevitable?" No. Even though ALL of these changes have been caused by a rather small minority of humans who have taken it upon themselves to be part of progressive movements, at the risk of their well being, society as a whole, needs to become aware and take these effects into their own life. So as to not burden a minority that is striving for change, because of a majority that literally begs it, needs it. I hope I will learn how to live my life in accordance w/ what I see and feel. Whatever that may be.