Comments on: Riding with the Devil http://blog.abclarke.com/2007/09/13/riding-with-the-devil/ Using transparency and other management techniques to change who I am and what I'm about Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:35:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Matt K http://blog.abclarke.com/2007/09/13/riding-with-the-devil/#comment-214 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 04:40:14 +0000 http://abclarke.wordpress.com/2007/09/13/riding-with-the-devil/#comment-214 Art,

Here’s one question for you: What do you want to accomplish?

I appreciate what you share. I don’t know if my suggestions below are worth criticism as this or that, but here are five that have made a difference in my life.

Ok, so the first one I’ve never done, but *you* definitely should.

1. Stand-up comedy. I have no idea why I think that could be good for you. Perhaps it’ll help tap into our shared humanity, shared desire to survive and live and laugh.

2. Move into a different neighborhood than where you live today. (A socioeconomically mixed community/building.) And get connected.

3. Volunteer. It may not matter where. (You like to read. The Call of Service may be an interesting read to explore the tension there. Robert Coles.) If you’re scared, do it. If your heart isn’t into it, do it. If you have 1000 excuses, do it.

4. Keep writing. The exploration and questions benefits all of us who live with our 21st century picket fences.

5. Ok, so I can’t remember what this was, but five sounded better than 4. Perhaps this is just a placeholder for you to fill in.

I appreciate your honesty. It’s healthy to discuss our own private worlds if they eventually bring about positive change for the benefit of others. I can’t say I’m prepared to be as bold as you in a blog.

Also, since you like reading, Jonathan Kozol’s books do give a glimpse at least of politics and socioeconomic inequality with a great narrative about stuff going on in your new backyard. Amazing Grace is a good start. It doesn’t replace getting involved in people’s lives, but it does at least highlight the extent of not sharing and opening up and getting involved.

I’m sure whatever you come up with will be better than anything I can suggest, as it’ll be a true reflection of you and where you are on your journey.

Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Kujo http://blog.abclarke.com/2007/09/13/riding-with-the-devil/#comment-213 Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:05:49 +0000 http://abclarke.wordpress.com/2007/09/13/riding-with-the-devil/#comment-213 Have you seen this blog? The author is an amazing writer and leads diversity workshops:

http://37days.typepad.com/

A couple of essays she’s written that might resonate with your current theme:

http://37days.typepad.com/37days/2006/06/say_hi_to_yaron.html
http://37days.typepad.com/37days/2005/08/follow_the_dist.html#more

But frankly, all of her stuff is fabulous. Might see what she might recommend.

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