It's no accident that we often hear our current times described as dystopic. Just look around. On a daily basis, we see tent cities near most freeway exits, overpasses, and on-ramps. The number of mental health crises on display as we go through our everyday routines seems to be increasing. Gun violence is setting new records and fear permeates everyday decisions like going out at night or driving somewhere new.
In my neighborhood, a slew of businesses have gone out of business. Consequently, the look of a ghost town prevails. Depression best describes the nature of the economy as well as the population.
Still, there are reasons to feel better. In times of social change and upheaval, some people respond with their best. While the decline in democratic values has mesmerized the country, and progressive ideas continue to be repealed by the Supreme Court, the resistance grows and people find ways to be optimistic about the future. We have to. The alternative offers nothing.
This morning, while on my walk I noticed a sign in the window of a barbershop. While at first amusing, I realized it represented a form of progress as well. The amusement came when I found myself wondering if racism was tolerated at a reasonable distance, just now within ten feet. Of course,
I'm being silly here, but the way the message presented itself, it gave one pause.
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