BUTO magazine wholeheartedly believe to make a dream work, it will take laser-focused teamwork! The late and undisputed “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson described the need for such teamwork, and the mammoth effort it will take to bring a dying world together in the iconic “Man In The Mirror” video. (The Song was written by: Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard and co-produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. The [video] was directed, produced, and edited by Don Wilson. (Both Don and Michael collaborated on the creative direction for the visual production.) Their vision included a montage of clips reflective of some of the most abhorrent events [still] occurring in today’s society and the world over. The visionaries who worked on the “Man in the Mirror” creative project were brilliant, and dedicated to seeing a change in the manner in which people engaged one another. 

The video is powerful, and a visually aesthetic presentation as well as being a well-documented accumulation and clarification of the lengthy ills in today’s rapidly evolving world. The video covers everything from famine, genocide, bigotry, senseless wars, and poverty to homelessness, protest, police brutality, sickness, the environment, gun violence, and murders. Furthermore, the video highlights some of the most charismatic “egregious” dictators around the world, as well as the compassionate and caring leaders and individuals who fought relentlessly for justice, peace, and equality for all humankind. [Some even at the expense of their own lives.] Therefore, please see the video below, and watch it in its entirety. I encourage you whether you’ve seen it or not to do so again. This time be still and completely focused on the lyrics, imagery, and where we are currently as a nation as well as globally. I am certain you will find after seeing the video again or for the first time, that we, the diverse people throughout the world must jointly initiate corrective measures to heal this dying world… as time is of the essence. 

Specifically, we the people must stop making everyone else the boogeyman, and stand-up—and take responsibility and a positive leadership role to  heal this planet and its’ occupants. Unfortunately, too many of today’s leaders and politicians are emblematic of an outdated historical and nonproductive society. The past leaders were either incompetent, corrupt or scared to act in the face of the unwarranted violence, moral decay, disenfranchisement, and displaced people globally. Juxtaposing the leadership of the past with today’s politicians and leaders, sadly reveals how the current leadership abilities are co-opted and diverted for special interest similar to its predecessors. 

Even more insidious is the motives of today’s leaders and politicians being more gloomy, counterintuitive as well as counterproductive to that of the will of the people. We, the diverse and multicultural people of the world, must begin to stand-up collectively — absent the violence — and speak “Truth to Power.“ We need to courageously confront authority by calling out injustices on their watch, and demand change. We must seriously ask ourselves as a group and individually: “What can I/We do to Make a Change and a positive difference in the lives of others and the growing climate crisis?” Keeping in mind, any real change starts from within yourself, and then spreads to others in a serendipitous, contagious, and/or unambiguous fashion. And where our political representation appear to not be in alignment with the majority of its constituents wishes, we must use our democratic and constitutional option to vote these so called “political pundits” out of office. Why? Because the world has absolutely too much to lose!… 

Last but not least, please know that the seeds we gathered in life from the time we were born, are planted in our subconscious mind and fed with repetition and deep emotions. Those emotions and actions become our life-long reality. Should these emotions be unsettling and requiring change, they can be reconstructed for a more positive outcome through education and refocusing of your mind. The “Power” of positive thought is crucial to not only one’s well-being, but that of our family, society, the environment, and the many diverse people throughout the world…! 

Both, America and the World needs positive change-makers. So, stop the petty gossip, hate, bigotry, jealousy and unfaithfulness toward your fellow man/woman, and do something to elevate yourself, the environment, and others in need. Time is fleeting! It is time for action and for [You]: an extremely “valuable asset” having the inherit knowledge, attitude, and the skills necessary to make a positive impact on others… to act now! Consequently, “commit to a valid cause today before it’s too late!” Thank you for being intentional and caring for the underrepresented and marginalized people, the climate, fairness, diversity, and equality for all!