American Fear

Here’s an interesting topic. The first thing I think of is the movie “Bowling for Columbine,” where Michael Moore focuses on the fear that the media drills into our heads. There are all sorts of ways that this fear can be analyzed coming from every source of media. And there is the evening news, filled with murder and violence. It’s all we see, but our culture seems to be obsessed with it.

Especially when I was first starting this trip and now many weeks into it I noticed two types of people; those with fear and those without. Thankfully, most were without. These are some of the things people would tell me: “Be careful out there, there are psychos and weirdoes all over.” “Don’t trust anyone.” “You need a concealed weapons permit if you’re doing this.” “Watch your back.”

I’ve heard it all with things like that. I’m happy that they’re concerned for me, that’s great. But, they way they would say it; the tone in the voice and their infliction bothered me. It’s as though some people are completely convinced that there aren’t quality people in the world and if there are they are rare.

Well now I have a first hand experience. And you know what? I’m blown away by how nice everyone is, how kind, how willing, and how generous. What people read and watch in the news is only a small, very small, percentage. The only real “jerks” that I’ve run into is a group of immature 20 year olds. But I understand that, you see it a lot in college. They weren’t anyone I needed to fear. I have felt nothing but safety and warm welcoming on this entire trip. And it goes back to my outlook… I don’t see people as strangers, but as potential friends. That’s proving itself true on this journey.