The recession is “official.” Unemployment is on the rise here in the U.S. Detroit’s Big Three automakers plead with Congress for federal funds, Mumbai is still reeling from its recent terror attack and Zimbabwe’s cholera epidemic is being referred to as an international emergency. And, um, O.J. was found guilty.
If you are still reading this you realize there is no shortage of hard times all over the globe. Depending on where you sit may very well determine if the glass you see is half empty or half full.
As the last days of 2008 make their mark on the calendar of time, an image of Sisyphus comes to mind. Sisyphus, punished by the gods for his trickery and greed, was compelled daily to roll a cumbersome rock up a steep hill, each time nearly completing the task, only to have it roll back down the hill for him to start all over again. This seemingly familiar legacy inherited by many (blue collar) is the result of players (white collar) who continuously consult avarice as their guide.
“Bill Moyers Journal” (Fridays at 8 p.m. on NPT) featured a guest recently who decided to take a detour around that steep Sisyphean path by making beautiful music with the help from friends all over the world?employing unity as his guide.
Mark Johnson, co-director of the powerful documentary “Playing for Change: Making Peace Through Music,” has created a lasting testament to the true power of the human spirit. Citing “politics and religion as dividers among many,” he realized that the universal language of music can bridge this gap, reminding everyone that there is a lot of love and compassion yet to be experienced out there.
The project, spanning 10 years, captures the talent and voices of many from across the globe, leaving inspiration in its wake. The by-product of this powerful movement is creating schools in different countries centered on the concept of “Playing for Change: Making Peace Through Music,” thus potentially furthering generations in the school of thought that we can be joined through something other than just commerce.
“Playing for Change” is evoking inspiration around the world. Songs like “Stand By Me” and “One Love” have a mighty effect when you see them in this documentary.
It would be great to have Mark Johnson visit the ’Boro, maybe tapping into the abundant talent that thrives here. With that being said, here is an invite for you Mark (and crew). Dinner is on me. You’re welcome anytime.
To learn more, visit playingforchange.com.
