To quote my Drill Sergeant, “To assume anything is to assume you are wrong.” Preconceptions are nothing more than an assumption of reality. We form ideas about what we have never experienced through a myriad of good and bad representations. We assume we have an understanding of cultures, religions, politics, and ideas that we have never looked into or had first-hand experience with. Preconceptions act as a framework for our unknown but are rarely in line with reality. Although preconceptions are not always inaccurate they are inherently dangerous. Preconceptions can be the driving force behind intolerance, fear, and injustice. Only through challenging ourselves to face our preconceptions of an idea and compare them to reality can we avoid such pitfalls. I suffer from preconceptions and recently had a chance to correct one of my assumptions; by visiting the Shambhala Center of Austin. Some of my expectations about Buddhism were indeed accurate; however, the majority of my preconception was shattered upon the rock of reality. I harbored these preconceived notions of Buddhism regarding their traditions, acceptance of outsiders, and even who a Buddhist was as a person. All of my ideas of this religion and culture were addressed and corrected in a single, massive, and enlightening experience.
As I drove to Shambhala center I ran through my idea of what I was expecting to see upon arrival. I had envisioned this secluded and hand built temple, removed from the tumult of city life. What I found when I arrived at this mid-city address was a modest house that had been converted to serve it’s purpose. My mental image of well kept gardens and color was not let down however. As I parked in the stone parking lot I was greeted by a large angular archway that was the quintessential landmark of an Asian temple. As I passed under the gates simplistic beauty I was surrounded by the meticulous nature of a Buddhist garden. At that moment I was certain that my preconceptions could not be that inaccurate. The small Buddhas resting in their shaded retreats beckoned you to come forth and share in the tranquility they had found. Paths flowed through the gardens like a pebble river guided by the skilled hand of a monk, the monk who was nowhere to be found.
Dressed in flowing, carefully folded, vibrant orange robes the Buddhist monks I was expecting to find and be welcomed by were not in attendance. As I reached the door of center I was not greeted by a small statured, well-built, short haired monk I was expecting, but rather an elderly white woman in wool socks and purple pajamas with short white hair and a wide smile. She insisted I not call her ma’am and invited me inside. As I stood in the common room of the Shambhala center I was astounded at the elaborate decoration. The walls were painted a warm taupe tone, a color that was one hundred and eighty degrees from the stark white I was expecting. On every wall you could see large, detailed, elaborate murals done in silk and paint. I had prepared myself to walk in to a large room sparsely furnished with unfinished floors and simple but functional furniture. I was not prepared to walk into a room with polished bamboo floors blanketed in soft and rich toned oriental rugs. Large couches and wing back chairs welcomed you with overstuffed arms to sit and enjoy the company. The large, singular, dark, room I had in my mind was traded for the bright, comfortable, and multi roomed meditation center that housed Austin’s Shambhala. As I began to imbibe the stiff drink that was reality, the elderly, white haired Buddhist, that could easily have been my grandmother, told me the director would like to talk to me. As I followed the Caucasian Texan towards a door in the corner of the common room I prepared myself for what I knew would be an experience that would prove my preconceptions wrong.
Passing the large glass wall that separated the common room from the meditation room I saw inside not a group of small, short haired, asian men, but instead a group of people that were a wonderful example of the demographic of the United States. Every color, age, and shape were present; all of them contently meditating in front of a breath taking shrine of the Buddha. The shoes stacked beside the meditation room door were not rope sandals, but rather a random assortment of flip flops, dress shoes, hiking boots, and a pair of converse all stars. We approached the door to the room in which I was to meet the director and I still faintly held on to the idea that the small orange robed guru I was expecting to meet would be on the other side. As my guide opened the door, my last preconception faded away like smoke on the wind. I was greeted by a firm and welcoming handshake from a young thirties, white, curly haired man clad in khakis and a light blue linen shirt. We walked to the back of the room together and he offered me a comfortable wing back chair as he took the matching post across from me. He smiled widely and asked how he could help. For the next two hours I talked with high Buddhist who could be just as easily mistaken as a high school English teacher. Expecting the secrets of Buddhism and information I was seeking would be given only cryptically, I began the conversation by explaining the purpose of my visit and the topic of my paper. I spent the rest of the conversation attempting to keep up with the eager and excited director of the center. As I attempted to log and keep in order the information that was being given to me I felt as though I was drinking through a fire hose. Every question I asked was met with fervor and detailed explanation. My assumption that I was be greeted cordially but as someone that didn’t understand was not even qualified to stand in the same room with the welcoming I received. Where I expected simple I was given ornate, where I expected one culture I was given several, where I expected old, wise and cryptic I received young, eager, and understanding.
“To assume anything is to assume you are wrong” my Drill Sergeant told me. The wisdom found in those words is simple yet invaluable. The preconceptions I held about just this one situation were wrong on almost every account. Had I not been challenged to explore this preconception I would still hold these false ideas about an amazing culture. Being open to the idea that our preconceptions may be wrong would allow the door to be opened to tolerance, understanding and unity.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Star of Black and Gold
It is a beacon, a guidepost, a symbol. All of these describe the star; the same star that is the symbol for the United States Army. For 234 years, the US Army has fought under the star spangled banner and been the defender of our great nation. That same star adorns our leaders and is the sign we recognize as the marker for those that are deployed. Two words now accompany the proud tradition of the star, Army Strong. These two words speak volumes about not only those in uniform, but about all those that are willing to accept the challenge that it implies. The Army Strong campaign speaks to all citizens of our country. Using Images of soldiers, issuing a challenge, and promising a better future the Army Strong campaign does an excellent job of connecting with potential soldiers and creating support for the US Army among all citizens.
Old glory adorns the sleeve of every soldier in the United States Army. The flags blue field always facing forward and leading the brave one percent that defends the other ninety nine. The Army Strong campaign has shown us the selfless risk that our soldiers make on a daily basis. Visions of our courageous few heading into a hostile building, maintaining security in a convoy in a land far from home, and giving aid to those that are less fortunate than themselves. The strength in numbers we see in images of our army standing in formation and the trust between two soldiers that fortifies their courage captured in a video are but two of the examples used in the Army Strong imagery. These excellent examples of the selfless service, camaraderie, and pride are extremely effective. They create compassion, an understanding of the team environment, and a stirring of patriotism. The combination of these emotions sparks the same feeling in our future soldiers and the supporters of our armed forces.
The uniform of our Army must be earned. It takes multiple types of strength to earn it. The physical strength to stand up to the trials your body will face, the emotional struggle you must conquer in leaving the familiar to defend what you believe is right, and the mental fortitude to drive on in the face of conflict. The Army Strong phrase is not just a statement but also a question. A challenge to look inside yourself and see if you have what it takes. It is a poignant dare to stare into your own eyes and ask your reflection if you can stand firm before your fears. Those same two words that ask the question of those that are willing to defend our country are also a statement to every civilian of our country. Army Strong tells every citizen to take heart and have faith. It tells us to believe in the capabilities and might of our soldiers. The duality of it’s introspective question and it’s ability to create pride in all Americans shows the effectiveness of the Army Strong campaign.
The Army Strong series has shown us the future of our citizen soldiers. Army Green berets that have become captains of industry. We see combat medics that have used their military training combined with education benefits to become doctors. Communication specialists in the Army now use their skills maintaining networks for fortune 500 companies. The statement that strength shown on the battlefield is now strength shown in the boardroom is clear and present in several of the Army Strong images. The ads show that Army Strong is a lifelong impact that carries into every aspect of your life. Through real world experience in situations that few ever know, travel to cultures that only the adaptable can handle, and state of the art training the Army Strong campaign promises a better future after your service. The platform the Army Strong campaign promises as a launching point for your life is an excellent way to attract new people to the armed forces.
For centuries travelers, explorers, and settlers used the stars for guidance. By using the same image so easily recognized as a waypoint and combining it with a simple yet effective phrase the Army Strong campaign has found a way to speak to a huge spectrum of people. From those that are seeking to serve a purpose larger than themselves, to the average citizen just willing to tie a yellow ribbon the Army Strong series has something to connect to every American. It is a tool to measure yourself by, a statement of who you are, and a source of pride for our country. Army Strong and it’s perfect star have become a symbol to which all can rally and feel familiar with. To speak to so many so effectively is the true indicator of an outstanding example of compelling and potent campaign.
Old glory adorns the sleeve of every soldier in the United States Army. The flags blue field always facing forward and leading the brave one percent that defends the other ninety nine. The Army Strong campaign has shown us the selfless risk that our soldiers make on a daily basis. Visions of our courageous few heading into a hostile building, maintaining security in a convoy in a land far from home, and giving aid to those that are less fortunate than themselves. The strength in numbers we see in images of our army standing in formation and the trust between two soldiers that fortifies their courage captured in a video are but two of the examples used in the Army Strong imagery. These excellent examples of the selfless service, camaraderie, and pride are extremely effective. They create compassion, an understanding of the team environment, and a stirring of patriotism. The combination of these emotions sparks the same feeling in our future soldiers and the supporters of our armed forces.
The uniform of our Army must be earned. It takes multiple types of strength to earn it. The physical strength to stand up to the trials your body will face, the emotional struggle you must conquer in leaving the familiar to defend what you believe is right, and the mental fortitude to drive on in the face of conflict. The Army Strong phrase is not just a statement but also a question. A challenge to look inside yourself and see if you have what it takes. It is a poignant dare to stare into your own eyes and ask your reflection if you can stand firm before your fears. Those same two words that ask the question of those that are willing to defend our country are also a statement to every civilian of our country. Army Strong tells every citizen to take heart and have faith. It tells us to believe in the capabilities and might of our soldiers. The duality of it’s introspective question and it’s ability to create pride in all Americans shows the effectiveness of the Army Strong campaign.
The Army Strong series has shown us the future of our citizen soldiers. Army Green berets that have become captains of industry. We see combat medics that have used their military training combined with education benefits to become doctors. Communication specialists in the Army now use their skills maintaining networks for fortune 500 companies. The statement that strength shown on the battlefield is now strength shown in the boardroom is clear and present in several of the Army Strong images. The ads show that Army Strong is a lifelong impact that carries into every aspect of your life. Through real world experience in situations that few ever know, travel to cultures that only the adaptable can handle, and state of the art training the Army Strong campaign promises a better future after your service. The platform the Army Strong campaign promises as a launching point for your life is an excellent way to attract new people to the armed forces.
For centuries travelers, explorers, and settlers used the stars for guidance. By using the same image so easily recognized as a waypoint and combining it with a simple yet effective phrase the Army Strong campaign has found a way to speak to a huge spectrum of people. From those that are seeking to serve a purpose larger than themselves, to the average citizen just willing to tie a yellow ribbon the Army Strong series has something to connect to every American. It is a tool to measure yourself by, a statement of who you are, and a source of pride for our country. Army Strong and it’s perfect star have become a symbol to which all can rally and feel familiar with. To speak to so many so effectively is the true indicator of an outstanding example of compelling and potent campaign.
By His Shoes
Everywhere you look in the world, humans like organization. Our grocery stores have food grouped by aisle, our department stores have things divided by purpose. When we shop for our vehicles the cars and trucks are separate and sometimes even sorted by color. Is it any wonder that we divide ourselves by look, style or purpose. We witness herds of people all looking the same with only subtle differences between them. This grouping, like all of our efforts to organize, is by choice. Our style, including those we surround ourselves with, says something about us and what we want people to say about us. Although we may be true to ourselves by putting on our appearance, we are none the less putting on a costume for the big show that is life. The costumes we adorn are chosen by our inner desires as much as they are chosen by cultures definitions of an image. Understanding that even the most heartfelt desire to be an individual is driven by an understanding of what the masses think is the first step to being comfortable with your individuality. I dress in my costume daily hoping to express myself as much as I can while at the same attempting to meld with society smoothly, however, there is an image I would much rather project. A Pinstripe suit cut sharp as a razor with a snap brim fedora accompanied by a black on white 1964 Cadillac Deville convertible lets the world know my love of a time lost and my desire for subtle luxuries.
Sadly there came a time that pinstripes were lost to the image of mobsters in silk suits and cheesy 80’s power brokers who wanted a deeper look inside to see if the books were cooked. Lost are the days that the pinstripe was the standard for a gentleman; a time where things were taken a bit slower. A time where manners, a firm handshake and your word meant something. There were no constant beeps of cell phones, people who wore earplugs known as headphones, or information saturation. A time where a gentleman always wore a hat and always removed it indoors. The pinstripe was a staple in these golden days of old. A pattern that was scene on every tailored suit and dimple fronted hat. There was a time when the question was not whether you wanted pinstripe but rather how wide you wanted them. A time where music spoke of love, losing your worries, and the value of honesty. A time of trust, loyalty, and community is what I long for. Pinstripes could be found in the closet of almost every man of society when these lost notions were common and expected. What would the world be like if we had just a bit more pinstripe?
The famous shield and wreath reflected in the mirror polished black paint of a 1964 Cadillac Deville convertible is the embodiment of subtle yet stated luxury. An automobile that was designed to take it’s time and let you enjoy the drive. A car that begged you to sit down, lean back, and relax in it’s bolstered white leather seats and enjoy the feel of hand carved hardwood under your palms. To bask under the sun or gaze into the starlit heavens while the top is down is a trip into euphoria. The classic sounds of the Rat Pack, B.B. King, Billie Holiday, and Hank Williams provide the soundtrack to your trip that doesn’t need a destination. With enough room to fit your sweetheart next to you and your friends in the back, but enjoyable enough to roll along on your own, it is a vessel filled with joy. It’s long graceful lines and classic style turns the head of all that witness it but does not create envy, just admiration. It speaks to the classic nature in everyone and is a label for the owner of his vintage nature. The polished chrome trim and whitewall tires says that the owner is meticulous and likes detail. Most importantly, I hope that like this black beauty I am uncommon.
Draped in classic pinstripes fitted just for me, topped with a perfectly shaped fedora, and surrounded by the gleaming black steel of my Deville my costume is nearly complete. Nearly I say because, as the musical says, you are never fully dressed without a smile. The happiness I find in my costume is the mask on my face. A smile from ear to ear as I experience the joy of being me. Society and culture may look at me and my outfit and say I don’t fit, and maybe they are right. I know, however, that I don’t have to fit and that each person that sees me has a desire to express themselves as well. That my long, low caddy and antique stripes may spark a desire to be a little closer to ones self is another benefit of being an individual. History has lessons, for me it taught me style, lost principles, and the person I want to be known as and remembered to be.
Departments, aisles, sectors, groups, cliques the list goes on and on and we as people invented them all. We like to belong and we should. I hope to be known as an individual but I still know I am falling into one of cultures categories. A vintage Cadillac and classic pinstripes may be the image I wish to express but I know there are other avenues. Through my actions, my friends, and my reputation I can project the same message my costume would. We find comfort in our daily costumes and comfort in the familiarity of the group we belong to. The costumes we wear may be an attempt to define ourselves as well as fit into cultures definition, but, our actions speak louder than the words of our clothing.
Sadly there came a time that pinstripes were lost to the image of mobsters in silk suits and cheesy 80’s power brokers who wanted a deeper look inside to see if the books were cooked. Lost are the days that the pinstripe was the standard for a gentleman; a time where things were taken a bit slower. A time where manners, a firm handshake and your word meant something. There were no constant beeps of cell phones, people who wore earplugs known as headphones, or information saturation. A time where a gentleman always wore a hat and always removed it indoors. The pinstripe was a staple in these golden days of old. A pattern that was scene on every tailored suit and dimple fronted hat. There was a time when the question was not whether you wanted pinstripe but rather how wide you wanted them. A time where music spoke of love, losing your worries, and the value of honesty. A time of trust, loyalty, and community is what I long for. Pinstripes could be found in the closet of almost every man of society when these lost notions were common and expected. What would the world be like if we had just a bit more pinstripe?
The famous shield and wreath reflected in the mirror polished black paint of a 1964 Cadillac Deville convertible is the embodiment of subtle yet stated luxury. An automobile that was designed to take it’s time and let you enjoy the drive. A car that begged you to sit down, lean back, and relax in it’s bolstered white leather seats and enjoy the feel of hand carved hardwood under your palms. To bask under the sun or gaze into the starlit heavens while the top is down is a trip into euphoria. The classic sounds of the Rat Pack, B.B. King, Billie Holiday, and Hank Williams provide the soundtrack to your trip that doesn’t need a destination. With enough room to fit your sweetheart next to you and your friends in the back, but enjoyable enough to roll along on your own, it is a vessel filled with joy. It’s long graceful lines and classic style turns the head of all that witness it but does not create envy, just admiration. It speaks to the classic nature in everyone and is a label for the owner of his vintage nature. The polished chrome trim and whitewall tires says that the owner is meticulous and likes detail. Most importantly, I hope that like this black beauty I am uncommon.
Draped in classic pinstripes fitted just for me, topped with a perfectly shaped fedora, and surrounded by the gleaming black steel of my Deville my costume is nearly complete. Nearly I say because, as the musical says, you are never fully dressed without a smile. The happiness I find in my costume is the mask on my face. A smile from ear to ear as I experience the joy of being me. Society and culture may look at me and my outfit and say I don’t fit, and maybe they are right. I know, however, that I don’t have to fit and that each person that sees me has a desire to express themselves as well. That my long, low caddy and antique stripes may spark a desire to be a little closer to ones self is another benefit of being an individual. History has lessons, for me it taught me style, lost principles, and the person I want to be known as and remembered to be.
Departments, aisles, sectors, groups, cliques the list goes on and on and we as people invented them all. We like to belong and we should. I hope to be known as an individual but I still know I am falling into one of cultures categories. A vintage Cadillac and classic pinstripes may be the image I wish to express but I know there are other avenues. Through my actions, my friends, and my reputation I can project the same message my costume would. We find comfort in our daily costumes and comfort in the familiarity of the group we belong to. The costumes we wear may be an attempt to define ourselves as well as fit into cultures definition, but, our actions speak louder than the words of our clothing.
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