the smedley log - suburban scrawl

Attempting the absurd

I don’t really understand the cynicism about the Live 8 phenomenon. Is there anyone in their right mind who really believes there will be absolutely no redemptive benefit to this venture?

Were its aims lofty? to say the least. And while I don’t necessarily believe that every one of the millions of concertgoers on Saturday were completely sold on, or even aware of, the actual ideas behind the concert, I do believe that many of the spectators for Saturday’s events will retain at least some of the show’s message. And there were many, many people who were already firmly on board with the mission of the multi-event benefit.

And this benefit was, after all, about awareness, which is the foundation of any viable movement.

So the cynics who’ve posited the theory that Live 8 is bound to fail would have to be essentially wrong if any of what I’ve just asserted is true.

Of course, if you just don’t believe in helping the less fortunate, I can see where you’re coming from. Or if perhaps you simply don’t believe in movements of any kind—well, that makes some sense, at least… granted, I vehemently disagree with your position, but you’re welcome to it, no matter what personal experiences may be fueling it.

The one thing I don’t like is the tone that permeates many statements opposed to Live 8 and the movement behind it. It’s inscrutably condescending, in a way that exhibits an almost painful lack of self-awareness. Too much of the negativity reminds me of talking points that have been let loose on conservative talk radio, which is sorely lacking in logic, especially if you consider what the concerts were really about.

I’ve yet to hear one Live 8 detractor explain how a campaign to essentially raise awareness could be a failure if it’s already garnered worldwide coverage for weeks on end. As I’ve suggested, some fiery Live 8 spectators will unfortunately fade in their enthusiasm. But many others will continue with Live 8’s message long after the cynical throng has lost interest and found the next group of wide-eyed idealists “worthy” of their idle derision.

If I had to choose sides, I’ll side with the idealists any day of the week. Not because I know their efforts will always succeed, but because I know that nobody accomplishes anything without trying.

“In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd.”
-Miguel de Cervantes

I’m not really into the Live8 thing (I’ve got nothing against it either), but this kinda’ ties in with the fourth of July in a way:

There were a lot of cynics back in the colonial times who didn’t have the guts to step out and back the revolution. For many, it wasn’t that they were ideally opposed to independence – most of them were just afraid to stand and be counted with the underdogs who pledged their lives to the cause of liberty.

Causes like the One campaign and Live8 are similar. People who don’t have the guts to believe in something that isn’t a shoe-in find it easier to be critical when other people step up and take an actual chance on what they believe in.

I wonder how many of these neo-cons who have bashed Live8 would’ve been bashing the forefathers a couple hundred years ago. How many people like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity would’ve been willing to side with the revolutionaries? Keep in mind these are people who have only ever existed in an atmosphere of safety and personal freedom. Would they have had anything to do with the American cause back when it involved actual risk?

Show me someone who knows how to take a risk, and I’ll at least show them a little respect. The people behind Live 8 took it upon themselves to do something, pass or fail, they did something.