Marooned in the Middle-Fifty

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While travelling through Junction City this past weekend we saw a man rocking out to the music of his own tune as he walked the road facing traffic. Dancing, waving, flailing his arms to the passing traffic, some of which responded with toots from their car's horn.

A mile or so down the street was another person dressed as Captain America, shield and all, sitting on the curb. I'm sure you've seen many other versions of these freaks yourself. So, why do people act like this?

Long ago, as a son born into a relatively poor, and then-minority family, I was taught to stay out of the "Lime Light." To be successful, I knew it was beneficial to be within the hump of the Bell Curve. To dress and behave like the majority of the other people I ran with. To not be the fastest, the smartest, the best. And likewise, not be caught in the rear of the pack.

The "Middle-Fifty" they called it back then. And to be able to adjust to a new Middle Fifty where ever my father's military career took us. And so, it is there where I remain today, and will likely always be.

Not because I am not the best, or the brightest, or the fastest. And likewise, not because I might be at the start of the Bell Curve with the worst, or the dumbest, or the slowest. But if I were there, you'd never know it because I'll blend in to be just like you, wherever you are.

You see, I don't bring attention to myself. Unlike the "It's all about me" attitude that too many of us have. Like the Captain America dude, or the freak rocking out to his own tune (or perhaps cartoon), it is not all about me. But it is for that very reason that people love to spotlight themselves.

It takes an entire team to complete a pass for a touchdown, not just the quarterback who throws the pass and then bows and prays to God, thanking Him for his talent. It requires an entire army to win a war, not just the heroic actions of some soldiers, or the leadership a general. But it is these people that spotlight themselves.

The Michael Jacksons, the Lady Gagas, and the Madonnas all conduct themselves using all about me attitudes. Casey Anthony recently talked all about her new I-pad, a new hairdoo and glasses, but never mentioned the loss of her child. It was all about her.

And the list could go on and on if you can see things clearly.

But you know, each one of us has an important place in life and in America. Our President, the future President, and not even Nancy Pelosi can pull us out of the mess this country is in. It takes all of us. All of you. Everyone to make a change. So do your part whether you chose to be in the spotlight or not.

For me, I'm forever marooned in the Middle-Fifty, just doing my part and trying to make some sense for those whom are nonsense.
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