Wars and Bars

I had the interesting experience last night of sitting in a Fraternity-esque bar in Miami that happened to have several tvs on around the establishment. I was there with a very close friend and her not so eloquent friends as they shared drunken stories and bad driving records. Meanwhile, I was numbed when news of the imminent war in Gaza by guess who! Israel, appeared on the television screen in front of me.
As one guy noticed the drastic change in my mood, I mentioned the war, and he responded with a "you just can't think of those things". WHAT?! These are the things that affect me on a daily basis. Yes, I would love to be able to ignore them, but how selfish. So I note the obvious alienation among this crowd, and I play the rest of the night off as "tired". I just couldn't enjoy a drink when I felt that I should be at home doing something. anything.
So, here lies my dilemma that will probably be the prevailing theme for the rest of the blog. At my age, most of my peers have other foci that are far different than my own. I often find myself without much to discuss with them, and the people I do wish to speak to are hiding behind assistants and private cars. When I say speak, I mean to have a normal conversation, a two-way path of learning. By no means do I think that I have the answers, any answers at all, but I wish to learn more about other's perspectives. My premature ambition often is the source of my perils.
Currently I am a graduate student at a school that is full of people that want to change the world. It's wonderful. Their optimism and hope shine through everyday, but unfortunately when they recommend solutions or share their opinions, nothing new is revealed. It's as if I am resitting yesterday's lecture. I miss spontaneous idea generation and genuine creativity. Too many people these days think that their ideas define them, but I think it is important to present possibilities even if they do not fall within your own beliefs. The potential is what's important.
Though this blog, I wish to share and explore my own experiences and ideas at the micro and macro level. As a current academic, ideas are expected to be formalized and represented with clear, solid facts, but instinct is also important. In today's society, I believe that there is so much information being absorbed that it's the macro instinctive feeling that determines an opinion rather than one solid fact. For example, just hearing people talking on the street and hearing the general news, I can tell you that the economy is bad. I do not need to pull up a bar chart to show you how consumers are feeling. I will save those formalities for my professors happiness. Additionally, the formality of idea-sharing in the academic world actually discourages ideas from being presented. Without having the time or resources to fully research an idea, one is hesitant to present an idea that another may be quickly criticize and dismiss, rather than explore further.
But I do believe that the formalities are necessary, but by no means do I think that I have been manipulated by them. I will play their game to satisfy them, aware of what actually is being asked of me.
As I mentioned earlier, I do enjoy hearing opinions, constructive criticisms, ideas, perspectives, etc. So please share. I am aware that this blog will probably come across as ignorant, but I understand that there are different opinions, and these are just the ones that I have formulated. Feel free to offer an opposing opinion. Additionally, if you ever wonder how I have formulated an opinion, ask. I would be happy to share. I think the motivation for ideas and opinions is more important than the opinion itself.
Additionally, if you love your job, please share with me what you do and why you like it. Like most others, I am currently job hunting, and while I was very sure of the career I wanted to pursue, I am open to new possibilities. Especially in today's economy, I think it is imperative that one keep their options open. I know what I want out of life, and understand that there are many different paths that I can take to achieve my goals.