Day Of Change

They say change happens slowly. "They" have not been to SXSW on the day the Interactive Nerds (IN) leave and the Music Geeks (MG) arrive. The IN uniform of messenger bags, iphones and thin black rimed glasses get replaced by skinny jeans, black concert t-shirts and faux-hawks of the MG.

For those who don't know, SXSW is a three part event:Interactive, Film, and Music. And while it might be blasphemous, the Interactive is the more inspiring of all the events. Passionate and intelligent, the INs want to change the world. Non-profit & for profit, high tech & and low tech, INs are creatives that are affecting the system by changing it from within and without. I have attended few panels and interactive sessions was I was blown away by the intensity of the INs to do good. And I need their example.

There are times when I feel that there is no escape from the status quo. That there is no way to make a difference in the world we live in. One of the reasons I come to SXSW is to be inspired, to be reminded not to fear change and not to fear being the vehicle of change. We make ourselves vulnerable when publicly declare our intentions. We become easy targets for ridicule by those who fear our ideas...and ironically, even by those who agree with you. No one likes being vulnerable, and it is the path of least resistance to dismiss a person you agree with rather than stand in full view by their ideals (and your own).

The SXSW Interactive is an intellectual herald for individual change. Because to change yourself is to change the world. There is no march on Washington, no rally cry for the masses to take arms up against their oppressors. Rather, example after example that change is possible, that you can be the catalyst for that change and that you are not alone.

The exodus of the IM and the arrival of the MG not withstanding, yes... change does happen slowly. Ideas take time to become part of our collective conscience. The important thing is to remember is that every change that the world has seen was first realized a by single person.

SXSW reminds me that everyday I have the opportunity make the world a better place.