Growing out of Illusion

     Phil Kaye’s Date & Time is a compilation of tales and experiences that have shaped Phil’s life and his relation to the time he has lived and is currently living.  In the last third of the work, he talks about “the middle,” his now.  These seem to be tales and experiences that either take place in the present moment or have begun and not realized an end yet.  His poem “Unalienable” (Kaye 93) discussed the idea of present-day social issues that have been created and continue their presence in society with no defining end.  The poem discusses the time of the 2016 election and connects to the emotion felt by a massive amount of the American public while touching on his childhood and the influential memories that connect with understanding and experiencing America.  There are timely injustices in the U.S. that can only see an end through decisive change, but this can only come after recognizing that there is a change that needs to occur.

    Kaye discusses how the 2016 election had impacts on some and not others in “Unalienable.”  This fact is a relatable privilege for millions of Americans, whether they recognize it or not.  Elections often only have implications for people who are in oppressed groups or those who rely on certain government or community-funded programs.  The teacher Kaye is working with directly recognizes this, as he says, “you & I will get out of this just fine / California boy, white enough” (Kaye 94).  Kaye does not look like the demographic who would be directly impacted by elected officials who blatantly refuse to accept how their own hands have played a role in racism and justice issues within America.  In schools, children are taught about the goodness of the world and how their rights are protected in this developed nation.  Kaye discusses how he was one of the children who believed this.  He believed in the system like he believed in magic, but as he gained experience and more knowledge, he learned how there is not so much to believe in.  There is corruption and ill-intention that trends in government, not necessarily caring about those who they are meant to be waging change for.

    This pessimistic outlook of the government can be bolstered relatively easily by looking at justice issues that deliberately reject the humanity of certain people, but it can also be refuted when looking at successful social programs.  Tutoring at Bridges has reminded me of the worthwhile programs in the world that work to maintain the optimistic, can-do attitudes of school-aged children.  I’ve been working with a girl in eighth grade at Bridges, who is extremely smart and benefits from knowing that there are people looking out for her.  I signed up to help with English and social science homework, but she came the first day with math, which I really struggle with.  I worked with her just instill her confidence, because she knew how to do everything without my help.  I simply did all the problems with her, just so she felt sure she was right.  Having programs that simply instill confidence can help people develop more positive attitudes about themselves, and potentially take on new responsibilities to grow in their skills. Programs like Bridges are able to create strong senses of self, and hopefully a prolonged sense of the good in the world, rather than the cynical ideas that often come to light as we age.

    Phil Kaye’s work establishes a downcast image of America, framed from the once hopeful eyes of a young child who held ambition.  The harsh realities of life and the disconnection of focusing on the betterment of humanity is real and comes to light as people age.  There are still people, though, who recognize these injustices who work for change and for the memory of humanity’s benefit.  All structures and businesses began with the mindset of making the world better, but many have forgotten this initial intention.  Time allows for things to be forgotten, reframed, and negated, but it also allows for positive decision-making and development of ideas that challenge negative structures, creating a better world.


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