The Non-Participators

The Non-Participators

By Ed Vasicek

When I was in grade school, I can remember a portion of my report card reserved for comments about social skills and behavior.    One category I remember was, "participates in class discussions."   If you excelled in that area, the teacher gave you a plus.   If you were average, she left the square blank; if below average, she would place a check mark to indicate a problem.  

Using that same system, I would like to suggest that many adults in our society deserve that check mark.  Our society is becoming peopled with adults who are simply "non-participators."  I admit I have discussed this before, but let me discuss this matter on a local, concrete level.

Marylu (the Mrs.) and I were enjoying a bike ride down the newly paved and expanded Wildcat Creek trail.   We entered at the trail's head, near UCT Park, followed the path underneath the bridge on Phillips, zoomed through Foster Park, and then proceeded under the Washington Street bridge to the downtown fire station. We carefully passed roller skaters, folks in wheelchairs, and pedestrians.   On our return, we peddled along the alternate loop in Foster Park.

As we advanced along the smooth asphalt path, we encountered folks of all ages and races.   But more potent than a sense of diversity was a sense of community.    Though we were strangers, we were all enjoying the pathway in our own way.   The realization hit me: we did not merely live in Kokomo, we were part of Kokomo.

Then my mind wandered as I thought about all the people who would choose to never check out the trail, those who made no effort to keep in touch with their community, those who participate in little of anything.   I pondered the reality that many who reside here are not truly "part" of our community.   

Next I thought about the Haynes-Apperson Festival, THE big event.  Thousands come from miles around to view the antique cars, hear the music groups, shop for novelties, or snarf down gyros and elephant ears.  Yet a multitude of residents determine not to bother attending the festival.  I would postulate that thousands have visited once!

My brain meandered to the Kokomo Park Band concerts.    The band offers a variety of music, anywhere from Show Tunes to Dixieland Jazz.   Sure, the band draws a good crowd---I would guess often over a thousand spectators.    But what about the thousands who have never attended one single concert?

From there I contemplated my experiences at the recycling bin at Foster Park.   I collect bags of recyclable material in my old car and drop off the load when convenient.  But I rarely see anyone there under 50.    It seems that the generations that make the biggest claims about ecological concern are less likely to recycle.

I then returned to consider the fact that many Kokomo residents do not bother to subscribe to the Tribune.  As a result, they miss local news and are ignorant of community events and opportunities.  

It is unfair to use these criteria alone as a measuring stick of who the real participators in our community are.   By another person's criteria, I might be labeled a non-participator (I do not enjoy basketball games, did not attend the Rib Fest or Strawberry Fest,  for example).   But many people are non-participators by even the broadest criteria.   And that is tragic.

Non-participators rob themselves of numerous experiences which could broaden and deepen them.   They often blame their problem on the community in which they live.    I have heard some people say things like, "There is nothing to do in Kokomo," or, "Kokomo is a boring place to live."  Life anywhere is boring if you choose the couch potato lifestyle.    Howard County provides many opportunities, but you have to take advantage of them.   If you want to enjoy events, you have to attend them.