Depending on others is looked down on. It is seen as a sign of helplessness. And independence is an exalted 'virtue.' People take pride in the fact that they lead their own lives and are self-made people and so on. However, my experience tells me that none of us are really independent. We are all interdependent. I need to depend on the farmer to grow food so that I can have food on the table. I depend on the grocer to procure that for me. He depends on a whole network of people to do that. None of us are really independent.
If this is the case, why are we so keen on being independent? This seems to have happened because of our understanding of freedom. With the past century's history widespread of colonization and oppression of people groups and nations, we've come to value freedom very highly. Freedom has become synonymous with independence. And thus, I think, we have elevated independence to such great heights that it is hurting us.
In fact, we have become prisoners of independence and in that, we have lost our freedom. Freedom to be real. Freedom to be vulnerable. Freedom to be ourselves. We seek so much to appear strong and independent, we are willing to be who we are not. We enslave ourselves to work so that we can make enough money to be 'independent.'
We don't stop at that. We imprison those who appear weak by expecting them to measure up to our standards of independence.
13 comments:
r u drunk ! overworked !
I agree. We are interdependent. This is a world of give and take.
Well said. Bungi. All I can say is "exactly." Your post got me to thinking that the international food and fuel dilemmas are driving home the nature of our inter-dependence--and that recognizing interdependence is vital and necessary and liberating. It frees us from the need to win for ourselves and defeat others. By its nature, it insists on cooperation. Let's hope!
Thanks for your comment on The Sunflower. A few of us have started a new blog here that will be officially up soon. We'd love you to join the conversation!
we are all connected. woven together. lovely post, sister.
Brilliant post!!!!!!!!!
yup..had to read that twice! :)
Bungi,
Just checking in to say hello and thanks for stopping by.
Nice post... I actually understood it and totally agree! :)
Mr. Mahatma - Nope. Neither.
Old Sailor - Thank you for dropping by.
Sandy - Indeed. I think the interdependence needs to happen at all levels. And only when healthy interdependence is fostered can we live in peace. Been visiting the Sunflower page, but not been commenting yet. Still letting thoughts form.
Jen - Indeed! Thank you!
JR - Thank you!
Lemonade - Ha ha... Actually this is one of the easy-to-comprehend posts.
Anju - Phew... You finally got something that i wrote! Thanks for agreeing :P
Great post. I agree. Many people (esp. here) do not understand how much we depend on people we will never see and know. Sometimes I wonder if we had it 'more right' when we shopped and knew our local farmers and craftsmen.
Warren - I guess we can say that of a lot of people groups as well. I guess it helps to be a bit more people focussed than just what-i-want focussed. Thanks for dropping by. :)
Bhuv, loved this post! still reading the others. been a while since i visited your blog. But i must say this was very very well written and reflects my sentiments as well.
Maddie - Nice that you dropped by after so long! This does ring true, doesn't it?
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