I used to think that boundaries and groups were set in order to create peace. However, the world we live in now might prove otherwise. Presently, we live in a chaotic society where war, greed, and other negativity surround us. Listening to John Lennon’s song called Imagine, I realized that, sometimes, the divisions which were created to maintain peace are the ones that destroy it.
The song urges us to imagine and fight for a world where everyone is united- no matter what our differences may be. It made me reflect, realize, and question. My main takeaways from the song are what ifs. For instance, what if there really is no county? While I believe that countries help in organization, does it really help in promoting peace or does it create a greater division among human beings? Country, as a label, presents individuality and boundary. However, on a greater level, countries vary in terms of their political system and cultures and traditions- factors which can amplify our differences leading to a cycle of non-acceptance and division.
Also, part of our actions are driven by our beliefs, especially religious ones- our good deeds stem from our desire of being rewarded with eternal bliss after we die. Why can’t we be good because goodness is what humanity needs and not because the afterlife presents us with rewards? In this case, our religions, which classify us in groups because of our similarities, could actually disunion us if we look at the big picture.
At some point in the song, Lennon also sings “Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can”. It was a reminder on how small things can have big impacts in the sense that even our material possessions can create a divide among us. Possessions say so much about one’s social status which acts as a form of division, something I have seen firsthand with the Philippines deep in poverty. It must be nice to live in a world where we see others as equals, no one is greater or less than just because of what he or she owns.
As for the music video of Imagine, it featured John Lennon and Yoko Ono inside a dark house. As Lennon started singing, Ono started opening the windows and letting light in. It is symbolic in the sense that it shows us how the world would be less of a dark place if we are more open and accepting of one another.
Admittedly, we all differ in so many ways, but the song serves as an encouragement to set aside our differences in order to create a world where we will not focus on boarders and boundaries. Truly, the song made me dream for a world where we live hand in hand in peace.
What Len Thinks 