BEFORE I FORGET – A final thought for the evening #18

Most of us have ‘looked’ at rainbows, but very few of us have ever ‘seen’ one. I paraphrase the words of famous MIT PhMost of us have ‘looked’ at rainbows, but very few of us have ever ‘seen’ one. I paraphrase the words of famous MIT Physics Prof. Walter Lewin.

I am not sure yet why his lecture recordings showed up on my YouTube ‘suggested videos list’ over five years ago but, I concede that the algorithm knows me better than I might know myself. Regardless, I am forever grateful that it did.

To be upfront, I’ve never been inclined to study physics (well, I should say ‘math’), but I have always enjoyed learning about science and how things work. The rainbow –?one of nature’s most beautiful creations –?is a perfect example of how serendipitously physics operates, and simultaneously encourages us to consider how we not just ‘look’ at life, but truly ‘see’ it –?dissect it, understand it, appreciate it, explain it, live it!

In his now famous lecture on rainbows, Prof. Lewin shares facts about rainbows, of which a few can be analogised to other factors of life. For purposes of this musing, I have simplified.

1.???? A rainbow is the result of sunlight striking millions of water droplets, and then being refracted at respective angles, which produces various colours (starting with red at ~42o)

• Therefore, when you see a rainbow in the sky, the sun is behind you, but you are actually in a perfect angular position on the ground, which allows you to see the spectrum of colours refracted out of the droplets.

?? In life, many times, while we may be in the same general space and time as someone else, a few degrees of difference can result in them not ‘seeing’ the world in exactly the way that we do.

?? There may be need for you to assist persons with repositioning their viewpoint, or even shift your own, so that we can at least appreciate what each other sees.

2.???? Within the core of the refraction cone, all colours converge, which we perceive as ‘white’, but this is only because our brain processes it this way, for efficiency.

• Therefore, the space under the colour bands is filled with light but, we do not discern the different colours as they have ‘blended’ with each other.

?? In life, we make generalisations so that it is easier to perceive and navigate the world, but even within a group comprising similar elements (people), further analysis will show difference.

?? We must be cognizant of the nuances that are at play with persons, and take the time to look beneath the surface –?so that we do not make assumptions about them that reinforce inherent biases or prejudge them.

3.???? There are always two (2) rainbows, as the light also refracts at minima angles, but this produces a reversed and dimmer rainbow.

• Therefore, most persons discern the 1st rainbow, which overpowers the 2nd, preventing appreciation of the full light display.

?? In life, there may be two complementary facts, but one may take precedence over the other, and is considered solely, while the other is ignored/overlooked.

?? We must ensure that we are not focusing only on one side of the coin, and actively seek related facts and supporting information/data so we can consider the whole picture.

In modern time, less awe results from seeing rainbows – far less do people believe there is a pot of gold at the end.

However, the real nuggets of a rainbow are that if we apply the insights from studying how a rainbow is created, to everyday life, then perhaps we would exercise greater understanding, critical thinking, and open-mindedness.

Allow me to add one additional insight of my own, based on this particular rainbow I experienced earlier this week.

4.???? Once the circumstances exist, and the correct factors align, even in places which are mainly perceived as ‘dark and ugly’, nature can surprise you with exceptional beauty.

·????? How many of us pass the Labasse daily, and take for granted that thousands of persons that live directly across from it –?imbibing the odor that we are blessed enough to keep out of the car, due to closed windows and a/c?

·????? How many of us neglect to recognise that the ongoing operations of the Labasse are archaic, inimical to the ecology, and should be refashioned?

·????? How many of us put out of our mind that in many ways, this situation poisons from birth – mentally, physically and emotionally –?young persons who in that situation?

·????? How many of us would want to live in proximity to a landfill?

·????? How many of us are ignorant of the fact that many young and old persons make their living daily by scavenging in the Labasse, with some actually living on it – in makeshift sheds?

?? Even in these conditions, beauty can present itself – in spite of the overwhelming negativity.

?? This is why Laventille has not only given us the steel pan, but several inspiring ‘Bess Village’ performers, successful attorneys, bankers, engineers, dancers and and thousands of other industrious and amazing persons from all walks of life.

This majestic rainbow symbolically connected the northern and southern sides of the highway – both of which are deemed by many as 'stains' on society.

This was nature's signal to community members that they have the opportunity to move ahead and forced drivers to take notice of the often ignored/overlooked Beetham Gardens and Labasse dump.

Perhaps, amidst the jadedness, apathy and indifference, there are those, who will shine out –?proudly and effectively enough.

Let us all take Maya Angelou's call to action seriously: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud…” ?

- RUDOLPH HANAMJI