Asheville’s status quo should go

I think it would be a great time for Ashevilleans (or Ashevaliens) to reflect on the condition of our society.

It’s obvious, being in Asheville for any period of time, that the people here get along with each other on a deeper level than other places in the South. The feeling of “being here for a reason” is rampant.

Sadly, intoxication and poverty are also rampant. Not that I’m a fascist by any stretch of the imagination—anyone who knows me can tell you that. What I’m suggesting is that habits we all indulge ourselves with (whether they be drugs, bars, religion, money, power and yes, even music) will only perpetuate the status quo and are not unique in any way. From the outside, one can see only see selfishness and confusion that continues to drive wedges in our community in every way, while the world around us is bought and sold.

We need to be free to experience all degrees of consciousness without being corralled like livestock. In a time when extreme Orwellian doctrines abound, we should consider that groupthink has historically had a damaging effect. We will never be the change we want the world to see if we can’t think clearly. All power to the people! Thanks, Mountain Xpress.

— Dallas Taylor
West Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

16 thoughts on “Asheville’s status quo should go

  1. And your point is.....

    The letter writer harps about this so-called “status quo” but give no examples at all about his perceived sightings of “selfishness and confusion” that drive a “wedge” into our community. The letter writer sounds paranoid and delusional, actually. Maybe the midwest would make you feel better Mr. Taylor, that or a trip to the therapist.

  2. Dionysis

    “Did this make sense to anyone?”

    No. I’ve read it three times and still am not sure what the message is supposed to be.

    Wasn’t Dallas Taylor the drummer for Crosby, Still, Nash and Young?

  3. I think Dallas is trying to say that we here in AVL need to not always stick inside of our AVL bubbles, but really allow & push ourselves to experience as much of AVL as possible & to think outside of our AVL boxes.
    Yet at the same time, Dallas prides AVL in our sense of many communities making a larger working community.

  4. Rob Close

    “What I’m suggesting is that habits we all indulge ourselves with (whether they be drugs, bars, religion, money, power and yes, even music) will only perpetuate the status quo and are not unique in any way.”

    What’s the importance of the word unique here?

  5. personas-non-gratis

    I know what you mean, man. I wasn’t invited to any of the HATCH fest parties either.

  6. Hugh G Rekshin

    What’s the issue, drug/alcohol abuse? close-minded people? AVL insiders? AVL outsiders?

    WTF?

    Man, after reading this I need a drink and a toke.

  7. Piffy!

    Robin Cape is listed as one of his friends on his facebook page.

    (google Dallas Taylor Asheville)

  8. Ken Hanke

    Come on, it’s all really about how there’s no place to cash a check at 3 a.m.

  9. Fred Keister

    It looks like Dallas’ own descent into intoxication has altered his ability to write clearly, if he ever was able to, that is. And his comparison of Asheville to only other Southern states sounds rather odd. The big difference is between Asheville and most any big northern city, Chicago, NYC, Boston, for instance. The alienation and sour dispositions up north are a glaring difference from friendly Asheville.

Leave a Reply to Foto-Jennic ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.