Earthrise
Below, you’ll see the iconic “Earthrise” photo taken on December 24, 1968 by astronaut William Anders during the Apollo 8 mission. For a variety of reasons I found myself thinking about this stunning, calming photo. So much horrendous, heartbreaking news recently across the country, across the world. Even as someone who worked in network news for years, right around now, I find myself dreading the news on NPR, dreading hearing yet another story that makes me want to grab the cats and join a Luddite community somewhere in Montana, where my biggest problem will be finding a flattering bonnet and how much butter I have to churn on a daily basis. Ugh, so much horrible news.
But look at this amazing, peaceful, stunning photo, taken in 1968 and consider: 1968 was not exactly a moment of sanity and calm in America. Race riots and anti-war protests ripped cities and college campuses apart; leaders like JFK, RFK and Dr. King were gunned down in our streets; thousands upon thousands of young men died needlessly in a barbaric war in SE Asia. Overall, millions of Americans were terrified and appalled by where we were as a country were seemingly headed…and yet, despite that chaos, there could still be moments of beauty and hope.
Before you vomit, I’m not trying to be Pollyanna. I’m not suggesting that the news shouldn’t make you want to holler; like that old bumper sticker: “If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.” But there also was the expression in the 1960s, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” The news is disgusting, but we all have a choice as to how we choose to react, the actions we take, and the people we choose to be. Nowadays we think of the 1960s as super cool; focusing on the miniskirts and hippies and how “awesome” it must have been to be alive them, but I’m sure for the majority of people back then who were trying to live their lives and raise their families, it was probably pretty overwhelming and scary. Like the old proverb/curse says, “May you live in interesting times…”
But life went on, the earth didn’t stop spinning, and some good and important things came out of the 1960s: women’s rights, Civil Rights, a room and respect for minority voices. average people understanding their power. I know that the opportunities I have, as a minority, female small business owner would simply have been a fantasy if I was trying to launch this business in 1968, as opposed to 2008. The fact that there now are government organizations devoted to helping businesses run by minority/women small businesses get loans and contracts…?? The fact that I can make a business pitch to my local Chamber of Commerce and they’re receptive and excited, and want to help me succeed?? Whoa. In 1968, let’s face it, at best, I’d be making someone coffee.
I’m just saying, if the news breaks your heart and sickens you and leaves you shaking your head in horror and remorse and shame…well, you’re not alone. So many different people brought together by so much pain and cruelty. Times are tough. But times are always tough. I’m fascinated, for example, by the courage shown by soldiers in WW2, but I’m sure that daily life, for the average people attempting to survive during the War, was TERRIFYING. That wasn’t a damn Spielberg feel-good movie, that was real life. Life is frightening, but no matter what, we have choices and responsibilities. We can choose to succumb to our fears and hates, or not. Take a deep breath, and give yourself as many pep talks as necessary and choose to commit to your best, since your fears will only lead you down.
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”- Dr. King
