Surf Beat: April 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Nothing Changes, If Nothing Ever Changes

I have been unpleasantly surprised at the degree of negativity, cynicism, and general closed-mindedness from certain individuals who call Malibu their home. I feel the need to go into further explanation about this forum regarding the madness at First Point.

I am graduating from Cal State Channel Islands with a degree in Communications this May. I chose for my senior research project - Localism w/in the Surfing Community at Malibu Surfrider Beach. There is a community service aspect that must be fulfilled in order to complete the course, so I came up with the idea for this forum. If not for this course, I would not be expending the energy.
By hosting such a forum I am, in no way, asking that we all be friends and sing Kumbaya in the lineup. Who needs more friends?
I do not expect an instant fix or even a fix at all. My hope is that, if anything, it will make people think a little differently.
I pity those who spit fire or think time would be better spent "contemplating my sphincter." Apparently, one's proficient surfing ability does not signify a willingness, nor the self-humility, to be flexible for change.

It is up to the community to determine what ideas and themes are perpetuated in a given society. Are we being positive proactive citizens by assuming nothing can be done because nothing ever has been done?

Step outside your box. There's an amazing world out there.