One would think life would seem futile, being an angry mob of one, alone and filled with angst. Why would one person think they could actually make ANY difference whatsoever?
Because everything I need to know to change the world, I learned in elementary school:
I attended an *interesting* elementary school. It was a private, open classroom school (read: hippie). Just outside of Detroit. All colors, creeds etc. Race was never an issue.
The school was very… . relaxed. No schedules. Work at your own pace. The classrooms were full of lounge pits and reading nooks. Kids kept their gear in cubbies and freely arranged their work areas to suit the need of the moment. Our school assemblies consisted of student performances of rock bands, bongos, interpretive dance, impromptu dramatic performances and mimes. Yes, MIMES. On occasion we had outside speakers whose message was always consistent: One person can make lasting change. I remember two speakers clearly from my 5th grade year.
First was Sammy Cahn. He played piano, told jokes and ended by singing “High Hopes”:
Next time you're found with your chin on the ground
there’s a lot to be learned so look around
Just what makes that little ol' ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant can't
Move a rubber tree plant
But he's got high hopes... he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie in the sky hopes
So any time you're getting low
'Stead of letting go,
Just remember that ant.
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant.
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant.
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant.
His jovial, high-spirited performance left us energized and full of vigor. I’ll never forget that little ol' ant.
The other speaker that year, Rosa Parks, left a quieter, deeper impression. I don’t remember what words she spoke, just that she spoke them with thoughtfulness and humility. She disliked the spotlight and seemed almost embarrassed by the throng of children waiting patiently for her autograph. After watching her, I understood what the ant was trying to tell us.
Our class championed two causes during that 5th grade year (no, I'm not taking credit for the Monkees MTV reunion-- DON'T BLAME ME) We (successfully) petitioned the state to name the dragonfly the Michigan state insect, and we helped increase awareness of the plight of the United Farm Workers Union, by taking on the Teamsters Union.
Yes, you heard me correctly. A bunch of kids decided to take on the Teamsters Union during the reign of Jimmy Hoffa. I know—completely ridiculous and ineffectual. But come to think of it, Hoffa disappeared sometime during that year -- from a restaurant about a mile away from our school. I’m sure that’s just a coincidence-- no one in our class had anything to do with it. Probably.
