Wendell Berry's Fear

Two weeks ago, I attended my first NBA game in several years. I absolutely love basketball, so any opportunity to go to a game is quickly seized. While my time at the Mavs game and the picture above might not be of nature, I felt that it properly conveyed what exactly Wendell Carter was talking about in his various writing pieces.

The afternoon before the nighttime basketball game, we read and analyzed Wendell Berry’s three writings as well as the unique life that he has lived. I was struck by how well Berry spoke to our consumer culture and lack of appreciation in the “Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front”, particularly, the line, “Want more of everything ready-made,”. Also, hearing this man’s story of moving back to Kentucky to grow and develop his farm to be seemingly self-sufficient was fascinating. After class, I reflected upon what a world or even a small community might look like if they followed the ways of Berry. Even more so, I speculated upon a society that continued down its way of desiring instant gratification and the same self-centered philosophy that Berry began his manifesto with.

            As I walked in the arena and sat down with several of my friends to enjoy the team’s shootaround, something bothered me. I could not help but be constantly distracted by music blasting, airhorns blowing, big screens blinding and lights flashing. Everywhere you turned, there was something or somebody that would take your attention away from warmups. Yet, as I observed the stands, the fans could not enough of it. They laughed at any silly animation on the screen or raised their arms in desperation as the Mavs mascot tossed t-shirts into the crowd. These same distractions carried into the game. Music blaring as the point guard brought the ball up the court and sound effects for every made basket. The fans were far more interested in the entertainment of the screen than the beauty of the game.  

I could not help but think this is exactly what Wendell Berry was writing to in the intro of his manifesto. He fears a movement away from the beauty of nature or even a game of basketball, yet the American consumer cannot get enough the status quo. Who knows if our own greed will diminish? I can’t help but think Berry is concerned as he cares to the needs of his farm.