As the election ramps up and the vitriol flies I hear more and more people wishing that the whole thing would be over. We have been gearing up for this election for the past two years – rhetoric and promises have abounded, lines have been drawn, and the divisions in our society made clear. Even those of us who affirm involvement in politics are a tad nauseated.
It is obvious that the selection of the American President is not a unifying element in our culture. We expect little from the campaign promises because we know that the “other side” will on principle fight against their realization. So when someone stands apart from that polarized system and is capable of affecting change he or she captures our attention and admiration. It’s sad, but the existence of such people who can get stuff done is rare. Rachel Louise Snyder speaks to this in her book Fugitive Denim as she discusses one of these actual agents of change –
“Bono is one of the few people walking the earth today who can convince world leaders to change rules, to establish different priorities. He’s a lobbyist of the highest order; a salesman whose greatest tool is himself, his own belief.” (p.28)
Bono stands outside the system, but gets involved on the most basic levels where change is needed. He gets his hands dirty and uses his awe-inspiring celebrity status to use his voice for good. In this role he is less like a politician and more like a Jedi. You know, a Jedi – as in Star Wars, the Force, and lightsabers. In the mythology of the Star Wars universe, the Jedi were the guardians of the good in society. Committed to a mystical/spiritual path, they chose to serve their culture as peacekeepers, protectors, and priests. They were present in society and did the hard and dirty work themselves. They were not the government or minions of the government but advisers to the government. Their presence inspired awe and their word carried weight. They weren’t saints, but people trusted them and for millennia they spiritually guided a galaxy.
As fanciful as it is, I wish there were more “Jedi” in our society today. People who stand outside the systems, but who guided by spiritual conviction and a deep abiding love for others are able to speak truth into that system. And because they are serving they are deserving enough of respect that people actually listen. It is curious that it is a rock star and not a politician or religious leader who holds that role in our society. We could just dismiss this as cultural obsession with celebrity, or we could be vulnerable enough to explore what those other leaders are lacking.
I for one am sick of talks about mavericks and the like. I’m more interested in guardians of the good than propaganda. I’m hoping for more Jedi.