Danielle Hawkins: Could myth soften hearts?

 There have been many instances this semester where I am heart broken over circumstance and the state of the world. I have often gotten frustrated that I was here, completing a degree (which at times seem meaning less) instead of being out in the world fighting for change to happen. I am passionate and fueled by social justice and want to see a world of opportunities for all. In more recent times, food opportunities for all has caught my attention. It is a privilege to eat healthy and not have to worry about health affects because you have to eat processed foods. When I get into these spaces of sadness I often am reminded that before I can help or try and seek change I need to first educate myself. My degree is not going to be for nothing. I am learning useful skills and learning valuable tools and lessons that I can take into the world to help make it a better place. I'm not saying that I'm going to be the next mother teresa or expect world peace/end of world hunger by a certain time (I will strive to see the end of violence and hunger and poverty-- but realistically we live in a broken world and there are power hunger individuals that do not see value in all lives), but I will go after seeking change in one person's life. That's all it takes. If it's only for one person, it is worth all the effort. 

I have been reflecting on how this class could help in my pursuit of social justice. Myth as Lewis said "is not truth but reality (truth is always about something, but reality is that about which truth is" (Myth Became Fact). I think myth could be a powerful tool to open the eyes of people who don't realize the extent of the hurt that is going on around them. I know for me I knew people were hungry but did not realize the extent until I did a simulation that opened my eyes. I think myth could be used in this same way. I reminded of David and the prophet Nathan. David's heart was soften and his eyes were opened through the use of a story. People are moved by stories. We should use them to seek change. With this class "under my belt" I hope to use my view of myth going forward in my day to day. And in the future to help me seek change and justice for those who don't have it. Education is a powerful tool and when use properly and humbly, real change for the best can occur. 

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