For a new born baby the options of life seem almost limitless. A baby is incredibly malleable, and through time he develops familiar paths which form the basis of his talents, interests, perspective and beliefs. Without these structures people would lack the consistency necessary to successfully function in the world, find meaning in their life, and cultivate long term intimate relationships.
Yet, the selection process also has its downside. It is natural for us to feel that our preferred behaviors, morals and personal and cultural values are good and right, and those we reject or didn't select are wrong, inferior, or even evil.
Governments exploit and exaggerate these tendencies through patriotism and jingoism. Instead of taking pride in the life affirming and humane aspects of a nation's values, we instead are encouraged to take on an elitist attitude of superiority and hatred of those who are different.
Our efforts to do the right thing and be good people, does not need to blind us to others achieving the same goals from a different value. An artist can take pride in his works while appreciating the efforts and talents of a carpenter or plumber. A farmer can feel confident in the integrity of his occupation without a need to demonize the blacksmith or shepherd.
There is not only one way to feel, think, act and show love rendering all the various alternatives as bad, wrong and destructive. Fear of the new, foreign and unknown is never going to disappear, yet humanity is also very capable of embracing the novel, creative and inventive.
We all grow, change and develop and this means we all were somebody slightly different yesterday and will be a little different tomorrow. We all have a basic need to belong and to be recognized as an unique individual.
These needs can only happen if we all share some similarities while also differing.
I want to live, you want to live, so let's live
lyrics
Denizens of Danger 4/15/89
I may not look like you
I may not talk like you
I may not show love like you
I may not believe as you
We’re all denizens of danger
I may not behave as you
I may not debate like you
I may not die like you
I may not show faith as you
We’re all denizens of danger
I want to live
You want to live
We want to live
That is why we keep on trying
I want to live
You want to live
We want to live
That is why I give
There’s no truth for all to agree
For you’ll be you and I’ll be me
A common goal a mass decree
In our lives we must feel free
We’re all denizens of danger
I want to live
You want to live
We want to live
So let’s live
I’m not going to give up trying to live
credits
from Edge of Eden,
released November 8, 2013
Vocals Jim Guido
Female Vocals Robin Cape
Guitars John Barden
Drums John Barden, Jim Guido
Keys John Barden, Jim Guido
Bass John Barden
An earthy yet somewhat chilly record about life, death, and reconnection, the latest from LOMA experiments with a turn towards the gloomy. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 16, 2024
"Don’t Shy Away" maintains the core sound of the dream pop band's debut, with Emily Cross’s haunted vocals hovering throughout understated instrumental landscapes Bandcamp Album of the Day Oct 27, 2020
Led by powerhouse vocalist AJ Haynes, Louisiana band Seratones serve up a sweltering mix of hard rock, soul, and blues. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 28, 2019
