Heart of the City

Does Memphis have a heart? What is it? Where is it? Does it pump love or hate?

Sometimes, I wonder if what I’m trying to do is even worth it.

How can I be an agent of change in a city so resistant to to it?

I’ve been mulling over this for a while, but never had a good reason to express my recurring thoughts. Then, I had an epiphany:

There is complacency in redundancy. People are okay with being miserable.

That doensn’t make sense, I know.

Here’s my theory: one must be content with being miserable if one does nothing to change their situation.

For example, many students stay in school in Memphis, not because they genuinely want to, but because, for whatever reason, it’s convenient. Family may be here; they may have gotten a good scholarship to college; they may just not feel ready to leave yet.

People accidentally start families here, and save up to get away from the city. They have a decent job, in a safe neighborhood, with healthy children.

Others buy weed from the neighborhood dope boys, then whine thattheir neighborhood isn’t “safe.”

That doesn’t stop them from complaining about Memphis.

“Memphis is so boring. I can’t do anything here. I’m fed up with it, I’ve seen enough and I’m ready to go.”

Memphis is 200 years old. You’re 20 years old. You’ve really seen enough?

It’s as if people want to use this city to their advantage, while contributing to the lack of pride that drives the corruption and crime they’re running from.

They always say they’ll represent for Memphis though. “No matter what.”

What are they going to say? I sure hope not what they’ve been saying, or what they’re saying now.

To the aspiring escapees, I pose the following question: Why degrade your city now, just to embrace it when you become successful? I really should say if you become successful.

I say that, because success is rooted in an optimistic, positive-seeking mentality. If you’re debasing the city you’re from while you’re still here, you’ve not positive. You’ve allowed frustration to guide your heart. Where will you allow that blinding frustration to lead (or mislead) you?

More than likely, you’ll wind up in a new city that will temporarily enthrall you with its bright lights and beautiful people. There may be new job with that big ole salary you’ve always wanted. Everything’s going to go fine until…

…you run into the same problems in this new city that made you leave Memphis. What are you going to do then? If you leave, the cycle will repeat itself. If you stay to cope with it, why couldn’t you have that same attitude in Memphis, making a difference in the process? Changing the scene won’t change the plot of the play.

Maybe we should focus on our purpose more. Maybe that’ll make location less of a factor. Focus on what you can give your city, and maybe you’ll get everything you’re waiting on.

Don’t get so hung up on what Memphis is or isn’t. What would Memphis say about you if she had a voice?

Side note: I’m going to focus on teaching kids debate skills, at some point this school year.