When I hear people say "The world has just gone crazy" or "the world is just not as safe as it used to be" I now kind of pity them. This sounds pompous, I'll admit, but I have to explain why I feel this way.
Just like other phrases like "The US won the Vietnam War" or "Brittany Murphy died of natural causes", this claim that the world is getting more dangerous is a POPULAR LIE.
Even when you account for all of the world's international wars like Ukraine, civil wars like Libya or Syria, internal civil unrest like what happened after George Floyd's murder, or even the crime wave we're seeing in the hangover of Covid, even with ALL THAT---- the world trending safer than it has ever been in recorded human history. Crime is trending down, conflicts are becoming more benign and less violent, and civil rights for marginalized people is on the up across the planet. Looking at the grand scope of humanity, this is the best time in human history.
Also, if worse things were happening, I believe we wouldn't be so dang sensitive.
When it comes to people claiming "the world is on the brink of collapse", the numbers are literally stacked against them.
So why do people stay indoors, keep their kids from playing in the neighborhood without supervision, why do people feel like they need to don their homes with cameras, avoid vacations, speak ill of people they've never met in distant lands, and arm themselves across my home country?
It doesn't matter if you watch the most indoctrinating 24-hour news programs and Facebook echo chambers, or even if you're watching or reading media of the highest journalistic integrity, violence sells. Conflict sells. Everyone who's eyes are glued to any form of media to see what's going out in the world is going to see it painted in blood in some respect or another. It's your media diet.
So back to my initial controversial opinion: why do I pity these people who claims the world is 'going to shit'?
Now that I've been on the road for 2 months, my world view has become overwhelmingly positive. I've received so much charity, assistance, and help from strangers across Canada, it's almost brought me to tears. Everywhere I've been, people have invited me into their homes, tossed me beers, and given thoughtful advice. I've hitch-hiked, I've had seasoned mechanics work with my on my motorcycle, and both Canadians and fellow travelers alike have been more than willing to lend an ear, a hand, or have wonderful stimulating conversation free of prejudice and judgement.
Even as I sit at this campsite here in the desert of British Colombia, just east of Ashcroft, I pulled up to a campsite with no shade in the blaring sun. I was invited into the shade of a trailer, handed a beer, and we chatted for an hour! They were going to leave after only that hour, so they had THREE TIMES offered me to go right into their trailer to help myself to cold pizza in their fridge. When they left, a young indigenous man came to stay at their trailer. The man who owns the trailer had offered this young man a job after meeting him in a gas station. After getting the job, the man has offered his trailer as a place for the young man to sleep as he gets settled into the new position and establishes more stability in his life. The young man and the trailer owner had never met previously. The old man just knew he could help someone in need.
The trust in strangers is astounding here. Travelling has lifted my spirits and breathed new life into my faith in humanity.
Now, I already know what you're thinking: "Jimbo, just wait until you get into America. Or Mexico. It's nothing but violence and death down here. You're just in safe-ol' Canada." and when that thought enters your mind, think about it. Where did you get that world view? Who gave you this information? Are you out there finding this out? Before you scramble to find sources of PEOPLE you've heard this from, think about where the majority of your worldview has come from. Are you out here meeting people? Are you leaning on strangers, putting yourself in vulnerable, uncomfortable situations, or talking with locals in distant lands?
In fact, every traveler I've ran into, who's traversing the Americas northbound opposite of myself, has in fact loved Mexico. Not one has witnessed or been a victim to violence, and their experience with people there has only reinforced my viewpoint that the world is a wonderful place filled with good people.
Looking at the world through the lens of media, no matter how accurate, will make us feel like the people "over there" or "out there" or "around there" are out to get you. Like a hive of angry hornets, your presence in their land is an intrusion and they can't wait to just 'get you'. Those people are the minority, wherever you go, across the planet.
Even if I AM wronged: Let's say I'm attacked, robbed, or killed. Is that what EVERYONE is trying to do in the town it occurs in? Again, are the people there like a hive of angry hornets?
I'm travelling on highways. If they're paved, there's a chance there's people down these roads, just like people there are behind me. People who want to get up in the morning and work so they can provide for their families and reach for personal goals. They get tired after a long day, they unwind with friends and family, they have mother-in-law jokes, and they strive to improve conditions in their lives and communities. It's the same everywhere, across the entire planet, with no exception.
I'm willing to go out of my comfort zone to prove myself right. Even if you don't believe me, and you DO think the world is 'circling the toilet', I'll still value my personal experiences on the ground more than your media diet any day. I'm going to be arrogant about it. My experience out here holds more water than the media lens you view the world through.
-JT 9/3/2022