Imminent Corrpution...?
The drama in the Hollywood tabloids gushes each day from the tips of greedy magazine moguls to millions of readers who feast on the corruption. Tonight's local 6 o'clock news whether it is in Greenville, SC or New York City is sure to be dominated by coverage of death, theft, and the latest mega corporate scandal. Scene change to college campuses, high school hallways, and to the minds of our middle schoolers. The picture looks different, but deep at its roots this lust for corruption is just digging in and planting its roots. It's not quite so explicit, but the childish games we play as youngsters to get back at the kid who is dating the girl we "love", are every bit as loathesome as the magical accounting practices of Arthur Anderson. The ever more frightening reality is that the same attitude of spite and trickery we attempt to employ as a 3rd grader to gain advantage in the playground game of soccer, also causes corporate moguls to destroy the lives and fortunes of millions of people. I don't think they necessarily intend or even desire to harm so many people, yet their insatiable thirst for power and prestige drives them to knowingly dangle thousands from a thread of silk.
Are we a hopeless band of humans who cannot hope to escape the perverse attraction to power? Is there some arcane magic attached to success that mandates corruption? Can good people do great things?
Thankfully the view from the top does not have to be shrouded in drakness. It is difficult and requires self denial and disgression, but reaching the pinnacle of your world can be achieved through honest hardwork and dedication. I am not naive. I understand that it is absolutely necessary at some point for the the average Joe to catch a break, for someone to give him acess to the door of opportunity. But I truly believe that if you work hard and have the skill in your trade to excel that eventually your break will come. It is hard to pour your life into work if you don't ever get a pat on the back or an "at-a-boy" from your peers and more importantly your superiors. But which is more noble, to labor tirelessly, without the expressed gratitude of others, or to give everything you got while the rewards and accolades roll in? Obviously the answer to that question is simple. Perks and recognition make work easier, but is that all we labor for? Do we work for a raise, for a trophy, or a title? There is certainltly nothing wrong with reward and it has its right place, but if that is our goal, all the sudden it's so easy to see why corruption is rampant not only in the lives of the rich and famous, but also in the lives of the class of 2012. After all if achievement is the absolute measure of worth then why wouldn't I cook the books to tack another 50 million onto the bottom line? Why shouldn't I smear my opponent with lies to gain political office? Why shouldn't I lie and cheat to win the competition? It seems like corruption is imminent. We seal our own fate by the things we deem most valuable....We want stuff...and lots of it.
So I suppose that's it. Hope this doesn't depress you too much, and good luck not getting swindled by your next door neighbor who is trying to meet expectations....
Thankfully, the dots don't end there. There are generous (and wealthy) gurus. They don't get the press, because alturism and charity don't sell except on the Disney Channel and in Hallmark stores. They don't sell because we demand to hear about the tragedy and corruption of others. We thrive in hearing about "dirty" people so we can justify our own sick selves. Love and genuine concern for helping others often is subtely expressed through small acts that garner no reward other than the knowledge of a job well done and the aid given to someone in need. Yet the small town high school teacher who has poured his heart and soul into his students for 30 years and has little to show for it himself, can be utterly satisfied that his life has counted for something lasting. His young students now populate the globe influencing others. Some are famous, some are themselves teaching for little pay in a small school, where the principal doubles as the janitor.
We can change the culture. If we open the door for someone, and they race through it to a world of success, pat them on the back and say good job. Don't clamor to steal from their success. May we strive to give to others, whether it's a cup of cold water or just asking somebody how they are doing. Understand that achievements are fleeting and individual fame is temporal, but genuine concern and investment in the lives of others will grow and be passed from generation to generation.
I'm not advocating that you boycott the news and business magazines. Just take the time to say thanks and recognize others who have helped you out, even in small ways. If your the one helping don't lust for the success you may have opened the door to. After all you didn't achieve it yourself. Be proud and excited for people who catch the break instead of jealous of them. Cheer them on whole heartedly, and watch your investment grow. Sure it may not have your label or name on it, but after all who cares, because isn't it the product inside the wrapper (that you have had a hand in creating) that truly counts?
Are we a hopeless band of humans who cannot hope to escape the perverse attraction to power? Is there some arcane magic attached to success that mandates corruption? Can good people do great things?
Thankfully the view from the top does not have to be shrouded in drakness. It is difficult and requires self denial and disgression, but reaching the pinnacle of your world can be achieved through honest hardwork and dedication. I am not naive. I understand that it is absolutely necessary at some point for the the average Joe to catch a break, for someone to give him acess to the door of opportunity. But I truly believe that if you work hard and have the skill in your trade to excel that eventually your break will come. It is hard to pour your life into work if you don't ever get a pat on the back or an "at-a-boy" from your peers and more importantly your superiors. But which is more noble, to labor tirelessly, without the expressed gratitude of others, or to give everything you got while the rewards and accolades roll in? Obviously the answer to that question is simple. Perks and recognition make work easier, but is that all we labor for? Do we work for a raise, for a trophy, or a title? There is certainltly nothing wrong with reward and it has its right place, but if that is our goal, all the sudden it's so easy to see why corruption is rampant not only in the lives of the rich and famous, but also in the lives of the class of 2012. After all if achievement is the absolute measure of worth then why wouldn't I cook the books to tack another 50 million onto the bottom line? Why shouldn't I smear my opponent with lies to gain political office? Why shouldn't I lie and cheat to win the competition? It seems like corruption is imminent. We seal our own fate by the things we deem most valuable....We want stuff...and lots of it.
So I suppose that's it. Hope this doesn't depress you too much, and good luck not getting swindled by your next door neighbor who is trying to meet expectations....
Thankfully, the dots don't end there. There are generous (and wealthy) gurus. They don't get the press, because alturism and charity don't sell except on the Disney Channel and in Hallmark stores. They don't sell because we demand to hear about the tragedy and corruption of others. We thrive in hearing about "dirty" people so we can justify our own sick selves. Love and genuine concern for helping others often is subtely expressed through small acts that garner no reward other than the knowledge of a job well done and the aid given to someone in need. Yet the small town high school teacher who has poured his heart and soul into his students for 30 years and has little to show for it himself, can be utterly satisfied that his life has counted for something lasting. His young students now populate the globe influencing others. Some are famous, some are themselves teaching for little pay in a small school, where the principal doubles as the janitor.
We can change the culture. If we open the door for someone, and they race through it to a world of success, pat them on the back and say good job. Don't clamor to steal from their success. May we strive to give to others, whether it's a cup of cold water or just asking somebody how they are doing. Understand that achievements are fleeting and individual fame is temporal, but genuine concern and investment in the lives of others will grow and be passed from generation to generation.
I'm not advocating that you boycott the news and business magazines. Just take the time to say thanks and recognize others who have helped you out, even in small ways. If your the one helping don't lust for the success you may have opened the door to. After all you didn't achieve it yourself. Be proud and excited for people who catch the break instead of jealous of them. Cheer them on whole heartedly, and watch your investment grow. Sure it may not have your label or name on it, but after all who cares, because isn't it the product inside the wrapper (that you have had a hand in creating) that truly counts?
posted by Mr. "J" | 8:58 AM
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5 Comments
