Who needz long words or sntnces to put across deep ‘n mngful r-tcles dat stil inspire ppl.

A msg is still a msg rgdls of da lang that is used. De important fing is dat de msg is clear n’ ppl undastnd whr yr comin’ frm.

(My spl chk was not a hpy bunni durin’ the writin of dis rticle.) EL OH EL

The othr day I was drvin’ hm n’ I saw a dude passd out on da pavemnt. Der wr ppl drivin’ by and walkin’ by who did absolutely nuffin’ to chk if da man was ok.

I stped my car on dis dangerous rd n’ crouched dwn 2 c if da guy was ok. He woz totaly out cold. I tapped him on da chk 2 c if he woz ok. I tried 2 cl 999 but woz unable 2 get thru. I tried to spk to him, n’ gently nudge him n’ he strtd to slwly cum around.

Evntualy he managd to ‘elp hmself 2 hiz ft n’ strted stumbling alng. I stayed wiv him just to mk sur he woz ok as he strted walkin’. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t drunk n’ so he mustve just blcked out or sufmin.

Thkfuly he seemed 2B fyn and woz unhurt. Wen I 1st saw him i fort he was dead as he looked completely lifeless.

Da moral of da story is dat we may lv in diffclt tmz but we shud nt let fear stop us from doin our duties as humans and helping out our fello human b ingz.

The culture dat is be in sprd is dat what if dat person hurtz me or wht if dey drunk or just playin’ trix so dat dey can mug ppl. Well, we can alwayz let des little fearz hld uz bak frm doin wat we no to be rite or we can bcum cowardz in our own hm…planet earf…

Short n’ sweet…jus lyk a txt msg innit!

(I have to say that writing like that took more effort and concentration than writing a normal article. I think I’ll stick to Queens English from now on.)

Politics and spirituality go hand in hand.

Most politicians would probably respond to that by saying spirituality should be kept separate from politics and most spiritual people would say that they steer well clear of politics.

My question is why? I believe that most people are confused by what politics and what spirituality really are, hence the opinion that they are mutually exclusive. Whereas, if you take a very close look at both and what they intend to do, they are actually, one and the same thing.

I watched a show recently that really changed my perspective on economics and stimulating growth within any economy. It really shifted my thinking on economic policy. I’m going to come back to this later but for now, lets look into this area further.

I have a multi faceted personality. There are times when I’ll sit in a quiet corner and contemplate the nature of myself, the universe, God, creation and have an amazing time wading through so many endless possibilities about creation and purpose.

Five minutes later I could be watching the politics channel watching Prime Ministers questions, and find myself watching intently, wishing in some way I could transmute the vast knowledge I’ve learned into the framework of modern politics.

Detachment

Many so called ‘spiritual’ people whom I’ve met often equate spirituality as detaching from the world. They essentially practise their from of spirituality as a way of escaping the world. They’ll go spend time in nature, meditation camps, yoga retreats, after which they’ll secretly go to a BBQ and have a 12oz steak to balance out the karmic deficit they’ve just created.

If you look around the world right now and take a look at the past, Christianity is kept away from politics in the west. In India religion is purged from politics although the politicians are free to openly practise their faith. But it’s kept out of policy making.

I agree with that because religions are organisations which have vested interests which not everyone will agree with. When I talk about spirituality I’m not talking about religion at all. I’m talking about spirituality equating to betterment, improvement, evolution, leadership and values.

As far as I’m concerned there is no detachment there. I’m actually taking a deeper interest in not only my own growth as a human being, but humanity as a whole. When I learn something new, I don’t keep it to myself. I either share it with others through coaching or writing.

I want the world to be an even better place, I want the entire globe to experience economic prosperity but I’m not going to be able to achieve any of that if I do not apply all that I have learned.

Spirituality Vs Politics

Lets take a brief look at these two.

Politics is:

Economics – Prosperity for all via management of resources.
Legislature – Upholding values.
Education – Gaining knowledge and wisdom to apply
Health – Well-being

Spirituality is:

Prosperity – Economics
Values – Legislature
Knowledge – Education
Well-being – Health

Did you see, did you see what I did?

“Politics is spirituality demonstrated” – Neale Donald Walsch (God) Conversations With God

One of the big problems is the way in which the word “spirituality” is defined and perceived. It is too synonymous with wishy washy concepts and that’s why it isn’t taken seriously enough. Some people equate it with it things like crystals, or perhaps even tarot card reading. They are branches, but very distant branches and more like twigs at the end of the branch rather than the branch itself.

I remember years ago watching a political broadcast by the Natural Law party. Some of it’s members practised a form of flying yoga and while I think it’s perfectly wonderful, I don’t see it or anything else of like as a prerequisite of being spiritual. All it takes is a desire for betterment.

Media

One of the big challenges that politics faces today is the pressure of mass tabloid media. One wrong move or one bad decision and you’ve had it. The really good leaders will withstand the barrage of hatred and criticism and will often thrive on it. In some way it’s nothing to be afraid of but the question is simply, are you, whichever side you’re on, going to pay attention to it, or to the real power house – your inner voice?!

I think it’ll be long while before the media industry changes in that respect, all I can do is not let it sway my views or let my popularity be a factor.

Economics And Prosperity

Why is the east suddenly booming and why is the west lagging behind? The program I mentioned earlier was called ‘Britains Trillion Pound Horror Story’ and was presented and created by a man named Martin Durkin.

He is renowned for creating programs that stir up controversy. This was no exception. He used Hong Kong as a case study and demonstrated the reason why Britain is struggling economically at the moment and why places like China and EMEA are doing so well.

It’s a very simple solution to solve the problem, but because of what I mentioned earlier, the pressure of the media, none of our current politicians are being gutsy enough to do what they know to be the best decision for all. They may be unpopular for a while but the results would benefit us all.

The Upshot

Once a month, on my radio show, I get to quiz the head of the local council about his policies and decisions that affect the community as a whole. I really enjoy the process because it gives me a chance to also put forward my views on things like budgets, and also how to tackle certain issues.

I do it without compromising any of my values in any area of my life because I equate my growth to the growth of humanity and vice versa.

Spirituality is not about crystals, it’s not about yoga, it’s not even about meditation, it’s about making sure that every being has the chance to experience how magnificent they have the potential to be.

I don’t know if I’m what you’d call a ‘spiritual’ soul although I take great interest in why we are here, in living consciously and purposefully while I am. I want to know about the nature of the universe, but inversely, I’m also interested the way we are governed. I will share my voice, whether it will be heard or not, is another matter, but I will not give up trying.

A few weeks ago my co-presenters and I were having a debate about topless page 3 girls. It was sparked by an article in the paper. The article was about the UK General Elections.

It said that if Labour were voted in they would get rid of page 3 girls from the tabloids. They paper itself sided with the Conservative party who were not against it. It said clearly that if you like page 3 girls, don’t vote Labour!

We were debating the morales of page 3 girls and what they do. In the past, I’d been embarrassed to look at page 3 girls, if I was, for example, on a train or sitting in a cafe. I consciously used to try and telepathically transmit the following to people “I’m reading the interesting articles on page 2, not checking out the girls on page 3!”

The debate got quite intense and ended with one of my co-presenters asking me if I’d let my wife/girlfriend do a I page 3 spread? My answer was simple: Yes! Here’s why I don’t feel embarrassed to look at those pictures in public and why I have a lot of respect for those girls.

From The Perspective Of The Models

I’ve often heard people say that the girls who do page 3 spreads are talentless bimbo’s and they’ve just been blessed with nice rack! I disagree.

Not all of the girls will be talentless bimbo’s! That’s like saying all politicians are liars. Okay, bad example but you get my drift. You can’t generalise about something like that.

Just because we see only see the shell it doesn’t necessarily mean that it doesn’t contain a pearl. Even if you only take them on the merits of their physical appearance, there is much more to it than just ‘looking good’.

There’s learning how to stay fit and healthy. Learning how to keep your skin clear and having the discipline to eat the right kind of foods.

I know a few topless models and pole dancers personally and they are anything but dumb. They may be simple but their simplicity in their approach has helped them go far become wealthy.

From The Perspective Of Looking At Them

I no longer have any problem with looking at a page 3 girl in public. I’m not embarrassed by it and neither do I feel the need to apologise to those who feel offended by it. The human body is art perfected to me and it should be celebrated.

Is it just a cheap thrills for blokes? Of course, heterosexual guys are visual and will always be. We will forever be excited by the sight of a naked woman!

Does that make guys perverts for wanting to look? I think my friend ‘evolution’ would have something to say about that. The male species were meant to be turned on by the physical. No amount of protest by a Labour politician will change that.

I’m sure some of those girls have faced their fair share of challenges by even taking that step and kudos to them. It can’t have been easy and I’m sure they get the evil’s from friends/family who don’t approve.

Is it wrong of them to earn money for showing off their body? Of course not and to make them feel guilty for that is just as equally absurd. Such morality is man made and a shift is perspective can also wo/man made.

The Upshot

1. If you are someone who doesn’t think much of page 3 models, then don’t be surprised when you are prejudged by others because you’ve done exactly the same.

2. Those women do have talents and maybe more than just their physical attributes. Remember that!

3. There is nothing wrong with being paid to flash your boobies. So long as you’re totally comfortable with it.

“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”

- Malcolm Forbes

We all essentially are teachers in our own right. Our younger generation will eventually inherit the earth and I for one will be a teacher to all younger people, who I cross paths with, and offer the best of what I know. I will also remain open to what they have to teach me because they are the greatest of teachers.

I would like to clarify that this post is in no way a dig at teachers. I have many friends who are teachers and are amazing at what they do. But they themselves were trained in a certain way and are told to present knowledge in a certain way. What I’m talking about is an overhaul in the thinking of what real education is.

Here are 17 things that should now be part of the education system:

1. To be a great leader

I don’t think in some ways you can teach people to lead, you can only be a great leader and let other people absorb those natural abilities. A core part of this is teaching our young folk to speak in front of people. That should be inserted into the curriculum.

2. To challenge conventional thinking

Conformity is a virus that needs to be quashed. Conformity gets you nowhere, those who think differently always go that little bit further.

3. To cherish all ideas

Every idea you have is a gem. If may not necessarily be ready to be used in that moment but keep it safe because you never know when that idea is going to be your king-maker.

4. To create a new path

Just because things have been done a certain way it doesn’t mean that there are not other ways. If you don’t like someone’s method, show children they can create their own.

5. To truly use information, not just remember it.

Memorising information is futile. The best way to remember is ultimately application. Once you’ve done something 10 times you generally remember. If you aren’t going to be doing something 10 times in your life, why are you studying it?

6. To cultivate gratitude

You can teach kids to pursue endless riches or to be grateful for what they have now. Not just general half-hearted gratitude, I mean real gratitude. Only with the understanding of contrast and relativity can you truly appreciate.

7. To really connect with people

In order to connect with people you really have to learn how to communicate with people effectively.

8. To use the power of decision

You can never be sure of what life is going to throw at you or what you will attract. The only thing you can be sure of is that you can decide how to respond in that moment. There is a space between that stimulus and response in which you can pause in the moment and become a detached observer and then decide. It’s a fun game.

9. To create a clear vision

Most young people have no clue how they want to spend their life. Maybe we should sit them down and get them to really think that regardless of possibility and no holds barred what would they like to do? Then you can chunk down to the small parts of each step of getting there and help them realise what they once thought was not possible is now only arms reach away.

10. That life is more than just a 9 – 5

We ingrain this into our children, that they are starting life to make money and that a 9-5 is the most secure way to go. It isn’t and quite frankly we are ripping out the souls of young people and turning them into zombies. It isn’t the only way live life and it certainly isn’t the best way.

11. To think for themselves

When in a group people often look to others and how they are responding because they don’t want to appear to be stupid or have an opinion that warrants adversity. We should be teaching them to think about where they truly stand or, at least until they reach that point, to get more data and then make informed opinions.

12. How to treat people

Where I play badminton there’s a man who never used to pick the weaker players, including some kids. Now, those kids are much better players than he or I. Because I treated them well they still pick me for games. They are reluctant to pick him because of they way they were treated. There’s a powerful lesson there.

13. To cherish the planet

There is a big trade off right now which is economics versus environment. We need economics but we also need a stable planet within which we can use those systems. Human beings bring in their interdependence.

14. To not compare themselves to peers

Only when success is compared to another is there a feeling of either superiority or inferiority. There is a certain amount of competition which is healthy but too much will lead to either of the above.

15. To play poker

This is both literal and a metaphor. I want kids to understand that life operates often in the same was as a hand of poker. You don’t always have the certainty of knowing what the next card to be laid down on the flop will be. But it’s the power to decide in the risk or to let it go and wait for the next hand.

16. That you never get there

Goals are there to be surpassed, not reached. So many people make a goal, get there, and think, is this all there is? They don’t plan further. The way around this is to teach kids that one they get close to their goal, to start thinking about the next level.

17. That everyone has a gift

Each and every single human being has a gift. Kids are not taught from an early age on how to recognise their own or to acknowledge it in others.

In a recent article I mentioned that next year I was hoping to get my ballot place to run the London marathon.

The reason I’ve waited for my ballot place is because most charity places in the marathon require you to raise a minimum of something like £1500 in order to run for them. I’m not a fan of that idea unless it’s a charity or organisation that I truly feel passionate about; which I have yet to find.

I’m not knocking the idea of raising money for charity, but I am saying that putting money towards a charity or donating just because you’ve been coerced, or you are feeling guilty, is definitely the wrong way to go. The other thing that I find bizarre is donating just to make yourself feel good, or feel less guilty, about the bad things you’ve done. It’s no joke. I’ve heard people say ‘yes I did this but I donate to a charity’ as if to say their actions can be justified because of some cosmic, karmic equation.

All Those Events

There are more ways to be charitable then to just donate money. It’s not easy in this day and age, financially speaking, for many people and yet because there are so many fund-raising events and charity races, on a weekly basis, I’m asked to make anywhere from 1 -5 separate donations a week. I was, until recently, giving to all of them because I wasn’t making any other regular donations but now I’ve made the decision to stop.

It’s not like I will never donate again, it’s just that I will be more decisive about the ones I give too and which charities I wish to help. There is no shame in discriminating the charity you’re giving money too. The truth is that not all charities are honest and the money doesn’t always necessarily get to the people who really need it. So don’t feel guilty about saying no. Do your homework and find a charity you feel you really want to support.

Don’t worry if you don’t have money either. Does it make you a bad person if you don’t donate? Of course not. The contrary is often true in that people without often really appreciate they help they are given. And if you really want to be able to do something there are more ways to be charitable. Here are just a few:

1. Silent Blessings

While I was India trying to rescue my mum we were in dire need of money. Many people couldn’t help financially and all they could offer was their prayers. I appreciated them wholeheartedly. Whether you’re a believer in silent blessings or not; at least people felt like they were helping in their own way. We honestly don’t know if the vibrations of prayers have an impact but they absolutely do no harm; as far as I’m concerned, they do nothing but good. The sceptics of silent blessings can kiss my ass, after which I will offer them a silent blessing!

2. Volunteering

Volunteering is the most fun form a charity you can do. I go and work with disabled kids while we play sports…I couldn’t ask for a better deal. I help kids and get to have fun at the same time. I’ve made some wonderful friends from being there too. People I will no doubt consider good friends for years to come. Yes, I may not be giving much money, but I’m giving much more; my heart, spirit, time and energy. Four things that you cannot put a price tag on. I’ve even made a fool out of myself for those kids but had a giggle while doing it.

3. Other Incognito Forms Of Charity

There are many ways to be charitable in an incognito way. You can walk past a beggar, stop and have a conversation with them. Maybe give them an alternate gift. Maybe buy them a warm cup of soup and have good ol’ chin-wag. Find out who they really are and really listen. Tell them who you are. Make it and equal exchange.

You can help friends, loved ones and all of these are forms of charity. Teaching someone a new skill for free. Help someone set up their website or help someone with their C.V. Giving people the gift of your time is the greatest form of incognito charity.

4. Donating Anonymously

The last thing I want to say about this is giving money anonymously. This concept has always struck a positive nerve with me. Why? I believe it’s the selfless form of charity. Not getting recognition for the gift you’ve given. Doing it completely selflessly without the need for praise, fame or even acknowledgement. You just do it because you believe in that cause and really want to help.

And Finally…

Think about why you’re giving. Are you truly giving because you want to or because you feel like you have to?

I am now the host of a new youth chat show on Westside Radio 89.6FM (West London) which is aired live on Sundays from 6pm to 8pm.

We truly have an enormous amount of scope with this show and we have plenty of room for people to get involved. I have written up a letter that is being sent out to educational establishments and youth organisations and I thought that it would be a great idea to past it up here so that if you would like get involved in any capacity you can to by simply getting in touch with the Backchat team. You can find a copy of the letter with the contact details below.

I’ve mentioned before about some of the ideas I’ve had and projects I’ve been working e.g. ‘YEP’ (youth empowerment project) and ‘Curriculum Meditation’ and this is a great avenue through which I can take those projects even further. It doesn’t just stop there as radio is such a powerful medium and has the potential to reach large scale audiences. So if you want to be a part of that there are opportunities for you also. The details of how to get in touch are below.

The Radio show is also broadcast online from the station website which is http://www.westsideradio.co.uk so you can tune in from wherever you are. Again this is ideal as it gives us a chance to form collective projects with people from other stations/organisations across the globe and work together to make a difference. There is also a blog on the website which is here – http://www.westsideradio.co.uk/blog/

Letter to educational establishments/youth organisations:

We here at Westside radio 89.6FM would like to tell you about an exciting project that is taking place at the station.

Firstly here is a little bit of information about the station:

Westside Radio is based in Southall and covers the West London area on the FM frequency. The station has the potential coverage of around 1.6million people. Boris Johnson, who is now the Mayor of London, opened the station last year and we have many celebrities come to the station on a regular basis like Estelle, Jay Sean, Raghav and other celebs from shows like The Apprentice and Big Brother.

We have re-launched a show called ‘Backchat’ which is a show for young people aged between 14 – 19yrs; it is aired on Sunday evenings from 6 – 8pm. The Backchat show itself is an avenue through which various topics can be discussed and debated. We have a whole team of young people involved with the show and we have room for plenty more. The ‘Backchat’ show is also a wonderful portal through which young people can have their say and even effect change on an enormous variety of issues including education, sexual health, politics, community issues, gun and knife crime, tackling gang culture, music and a host of other issues that affect all of us as a whole. In addition to that we’ll be holding some wonderful competitions that will give some terrific exposure to the youth and their ideas.

The host of the Show is Amit Sodha who is also a Life Coach. Amit also worked with young people in various organisations and capacities across North West London and has also presented various shows at the station. Amit is an active volunteer among youth projects and also works with disabled children.

Ewan Willmott works for Ealing council and is the Backchat producer. He searches and applies for funding for BackChat. Ewan also organises the volunteer presenters, topics, source interviews, competition merchandise and develops programme ideas. He also searches for new recruits to the volunteer presenter’s pool.

The show has amazing potential and although ideas are flowing in about how we could utilise the show we need to increase its exposure and get more young people involved and truly getting to the core of the issues that are affecting them the most. The great thing is that if your school/college/youth organisations and students are working on any exciting community projects we can also get them exposure through the show, which will give them even greater recognition for the work they are doing.

To begin with we would like to offer to you send some of the backchat team along and talk to the young people more about what they do. The team will come along and share what it is that they do and invite those who want to get involved to do so.

The great thing for those who want to become involved with the show is that it will give them a huge dose of experience about working in the media and will also give them something to put onto their c.v.

You can get in touch with the backchat team by emailing them on backchat(at)westsideradio(dot)co(dot)uk

You can also get in touch directly with Amit by clicking here.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Backchat Team – Westside Radio 89.6FM. The new sound of West London.

I’ve had some terrible news that a fellow blogger and friend has been arrested by Military Police in Bangladesh. First and foremost my prayers go to his close family and friends and to the safe release of Tasneem Khalil. My friend Sunny has posted this message and is planning to organise a protest in London at the Bangladeshi High Commision to free Tasneem.

Tasneem is an avid supporter of Human Rights so please do show your support whether that be through you thoughts words or deeds to getting freed from prison.

Thank you.

UPDATE: Our friend has been released and is in good health. Thank you to everyone who showed their support!

Here. Enjoy!

I was just quickly going perusing the blogdom and came across a post by Mr Stevie P regarding his personal experiment on giving up his news addiction.

It sort of coincides with two of my other recent blog posts: Virus Alert and What are your biggest spheres of influence.

Steve has given some very clear and interesting reasons on why this experiment illustrates the illusion of wanting to keep up with current affairs. I’m not saying I agree, but I like ya shtyle Shteeeve!

The title initially maybe a little misleading, firstly I would like to clarify that I am not an alcoholic or anything, far from it, in fact, I’m the opposite, I’m a tee-total! I have drunk in the past however. When I was younger my parents owned an off licence and so on the odd occasion they would allow me the odd tipple. That was when I was about 13 or so.

After we got rid of the off licence I made a conscious decision not to drink alcohol. Not an easy task when you’re a teenager surrounded by curious teenagers who want to do nothing but drink! But I managed throughout my late teens and early twenties to avoid alcohol altogether. It was not until last year that I decided to drink just for a weekend while I went away on a stag weekend with some friends in Amsterdam? Why?

Well firstly it was a personal experiment. I wanted to see if through meditation I could overcome the effects of alcohol (which it did to a certain degree) and second of all I wanted to know what it felt like to be drunk so that I could give an objective opinion to people about alcohol. So I did it, I went away for the weekend with the lads and had loads and loads to drink.

I drank plenty and found the alcohol generally had severely adverse effects on my emotions. Some people become extra loving and kind and friendly, but for me, I found myself to be angry and irritable. It taught me a lot about myself and alcohol in general, but, it was just a personal experiment which I decided to try on myself so that I could know of the effects first hand.

The are a few things in particular about Alcohol that worry me greatly;

1. How “sexy” it is made to look in adverts and they way it is marketed.

2. How desperate children under 18 are to turn 18 so that they can drink. (18 is the legal drinking age within the UK.)

3. Alcohol abuse and the binge drinking culture. (Outlets now have the option to obtain 24 hour alcohol serving licences)

4. The lack of information given to people on the ill effects of alcohol. (In my personal opinion, alcohol should have warnings on them in the same way that cigarettes do.)

5. The amount of Tax the government receives from alcohol means that they would never run a major campaign against alcohol abuse

Alcohol is a silent killer and a destroyer. Not only does it damage peoples health but it also damages relationships and kills people’s integrity. The majority of people are responsible have alcohol responsibly and in moderation but some have no idea of self control and drink until they throw up.

Another great concern of mine is the reason behind the drinking. I’ve asked many people; “why do you drink” and all too often the answer is so that they can loosen up, be more fun, loose their inhibitions. Does it really take a few alcoholic beverage to do that? Maybe it’s about time to take a close look at why it takes a drink to do that, if you can’t do it without, be more proactive, join a drama club, get that side of you out into the open so that a drink isn’t the cause of your personality, you are!

There are also many, many points and issues to raise with regards to this but this blog would become too long so I will follow this up at a later stage. In the mean time, if you, or anyone you know of that drinks heavily, here is a question for you;

Is drinking benefiting you in any way, shape or form?

Living in the 21st century can, at times, be a daunting challenge. One that many of us struggle to comprehed due to the pace of our frantic lives. It becomes too easy to be wrapped up in questions like: ‘What I should be doing?’ as opposed to: ‘What do I choose to do now?’ because of a genuine appreciation for the gift of volition.

But my tiny bubble of a universe envelopes me and I fail to actually enjoy and appreciate what is going on around me. Earlier today I felt a wave of depression because of something I’m going through in my personal life. I was frantically scouring the web to find some insecticide to eliminate the wasps flying around in my head. For a short while I was the only living being in the universe that was in such a predicament. Everything else disappeared and it was just me and my problem. It’s not the first time I’ve been in such a state but those fleeting moments of absolute arrogance can be soul destroying. Wallowing in ones self pity is the fastest way to loosing all self respect.

A while later I caught a glimpse of the news. The article was about Malawi and the AIDs epidemic. In this particular piece Ewan McGregor was in Malawi doing some fundraising for Unicef. It wasn’t that however that caught my attention, it was a woman going into a surgery for a blood test to see if she had AIDS. She found out there and then that she was HIV positive and suddenly a wave of emotion overcame me and I suddenly couldn’t hold back; the tears had to flow.

It was a wake up call. Not the wake up call I’d prefer. Guilt is never the best way to initiate action. Never-the-less it got me thinking and got me into a state of action. Without sounding too over zealous, there is so much work to be done in the world and I know I cannot save the whole world but there is no harm in thinking that I can in some way make a dent.

Positivity and hope are rare traits these days, especially among the younger generation! Although I do have a life to lead with responsibilites and commitments there is no excuse for turning a blind eye to the troubles our generation faces.