June 18th, 23:01
http://puu.sh/pxPRC/51a79022f4.jpg
The above link is a screenshot from a show I used to watch. Harper Rock is a large lake, but the ocean is vast, and I like to educate myself on cultures and even entertainment from other locations across the globe, and even other planes of existence, wherein is applicable...the last bit depending upon your own personal set of core beliefs, of course.
"No one's more aware of discrimination than the ones being discriminated against"
Powerful words, in my eyes. I have seen evidence of this in my day-to-day, as well as in recalling events of my past. People have scoffed and laughed in the face of my calling discrimination, but - in those cases where it wasn't just sheer stupidity <aka, willful ignorance> - the scorn came from people who have never experienced it, and for whom such discrimination may truly be, in their worlds, a thing of pure fiction.
Thoughts of how I could educate those individuals used to be so pervasive, it would occupy my dreams, inspire tangents that could interrupt otherwise on-topic and relevant responses to other discussions, and even inspire Social Media posts where I would do my best to speak on things I was *CERTAIN* others already knew, but - despite the knowing - have been groomed and conditioned to loathe and distrust themselves for thinking differently than their peers.
I have learned that, no matter what or who you are, if someone has been taught to hate (there is always some unholy revenant who plants this bad seed in somebody), you are not exempt from it. Amidst those of the same skin color, there is economic standing, education level, political influence, and acclaim. Amongst the rich, there are those of 'Old Money' and 'New Money', those who can afford mansion...and those who could afford to occupy and colonize an island, and turn it into a high-end Vacation Resort, under the guise of some obscure, Polynesian culture nobody had heard of previously.
Amongst those who watch Vampire fiction, wear plastic prosthetics and dress all in black, there is discrimination based on body type, complexion, which groups you are affiliated with, and how deep into the lifestyle you are. Amongst the esoteric religions and spiritual paths, there is much of the same discrimination, including who is the most 'Devout', and who is just 'faking it'.
Unlike many (yet similar to so many others), I am a "Data Sponge", constantly absorbing, processing, digesting, and absorbing data from countless sources, and contemplating on everything I have learned, at virtually any given time of day, including when I am asleep. I have 'absorbed' information about Religion, Spirituality, Social Engineering, Social Reform, Politics, Wealth, Discrimination, and so much more. I would even call myself a "Philosopher", and feel no shame since - when you think about it - it isn't as if Philosophers are generally *CAREER* Philosophers, as much as free-thinkers who delved into the roots of Knowledge and managed to dig up some unique and effective insights into how we operate.
Here, at Harper Rock, I see an opportunity to really see what people will do, when given the time and resources to TRULY become who they were meant to be, regardless of which 'Powers That Be' are given credit for these gifts of Time and Resource.
I am excited to find out what more there is to see.
_SocratesX_
