Motorcycle riders, surfers, skateboarders, punk rockers, snowboarders, etc. All could be considered sub-cultures and usually are. The folks that participate in such activities are usually driven by the beat of a different drummer. Many times, the beat of their own drummer. They usually take a certain self pride in being independent and sometimes a little different. This is often the case with activities that are defined as lifestyles as well. Still, when we participate in such activities and subscribe to the lifestyle that follows, it does not mean that we can section ourselves off from the rest of our community. As individuals, we must remain a part of it.
Just as we have the freedom to ride our bikes, surf our waves, skate our park benches, and crank our amps, we also have the responsibility to use our influence to the common good. Not just what is best for our little group, but what is best for each of our fellow citizens.
This is why I am so moved when I see things like biker organizations doing toy runs around Christmas time and surfer groups doing beach clean ups. These things help the whole community. It makes our little part of the village important to the whole village. I understand that there may be a little bit of "hey look at me" involved in these activities. No problem to me. At least its "hey look at me....doing something good" and not "hey look at what crappy thing I just did". Its the kind of recognition I don't mind giving.
I encourage all of my brothers and sisters out there to organize and do something great for your neighbors. Do a ride to raise money for a local charity. Put on a skate contest with the proceeds going to pay for new lockers at the local YMCA. Get your band to do a free concert to raise funds for charity health care.
Use your creativity here. Do something fun that raises money for something good. You will realize that we are not so different from each other. That we are all part of a big culture that could be so much better if we would celebrate our differences and use them for the higher good.
Just as we have the freedom to ride our bikes, surf our waves, skate our park benches, and crank our amps, we also have the responsibility to use our influence to the common good. Not just what is best for our little group, but what is best for each of our fellow citizens.
This is why I am so moved when I see things like biker organizations doing toy runs around Christmas time and surfer groups doing beach clean ups. These things help the whole community. It makes our little part of the village important to the whole village. I understand that there may be a little bit of "hey look at me" involved in these activities. No problem to me. At least its "hey look at me....doing something good" and not "hey look at what crappy thing I just did". Its the kind of recognition I don't mind giving.
I encourage all of my brothers and sisters out there to organize and do something great for your neighbors. Do a ride to raise money for a local charity. Put on a skate contest with the proceeds going to pay for new lockers at the local YMCA. Get your band to do a free concert to raise funds for charity health care.
Use your creativity here. Do something fun that raises money for something good. You will realize that we are not so different from each other. That we are all part of a big culture that could be so much better if we would celebrate our differences and use them for the higher good.
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