Journal Entry #4

April 15th, 2015

I find it interesting how closely tied the sentiments of the individual are to their social surroundings. This course has made me keenly aware of the common threads of human nature that unite us all, across the boundaries of time and culture. It appears that people generally behave in predictable ways accordance with their environment. This is why the concept of collective memory is fascinating. When we watch films in class that drudge up and expose the secrets of a family or expose the ugly truths of history which are preferred forgotten, it serves as a reminder both of the powerful defense mechanisms we employ in order to hide these things from ourselves and the potential benefit of exposing them. As I force myself to ponder difficult issues such as the holocaust, I find myself primed for further introspection. What kind of atrocities could I be passively allowing to happen in these times? How will future generations view the impact that we’ve had? Just as in my personal life I have always benefitted from unflinching introspection and a healthy dose of self-awareness, how can I apply the same kind of frank, progressive honesty towards social issues of imminent importance?

Today I was approached by vegan activists with all the fervor of a group of missionaries thirsty for converts. They offered to pay me a dollar to watch a 4 minute film on veganism. Nearby there was another stand selling cookies for one dollar (which may or may not have contained milk and eggs). It was all too tempting, and I fell right into their snare. I spent the next several minutes in stunned silence as brutally graphic images of shocking blood-and-gore depictions of violent animal cruelty were paraded in front of my despoiled eyes. Immediately following this, with pamphlets in hand, they began asking me what I thought of the film and so went the indoctrination process.

Although I don’t agree with all of the views of the Vegan ideology on an ethical level, it is admirable that they are able to dedicate themselves so wholeheartedly to a cause that extends so far beyond self-interest. Whether or not I actually launch any major dietary changes as a result of the encounter, the experience in and of itself was inspiring. It has been so long since I’ve immersed myself in an environment so unorthodox and nurturing of creativity as Evergreen that I can almost hear the creaking as my mind re-opens to ideas that have fallen by the wayside as I became caught up in conforming to New York culture and all its societal norms. I have renewed optimism that even though I have yet to discover a clear path between my studies and an occupation, the fertile grounds of my present mentality are sure to bear fruit in a career path firmly rooted in ideals and conviction.