Natalia Naman Temesgen: Stop complaining and do something

Have you noticed how easy it is to complain? Many of us do this in our private lives. "I wish I could get more done around the house," or "Why don't I just avoid looking at the scones, since all I came in for was a cup of coffee?" are a couple I've whined out more than once. Changing my ways? Not as easy.

Here in Columbus, we aren't bad at complaining about each other either. Sometimes I browse the Ledger-Enquirer's Facebook page. I've gotten into the habit of reading the lengthy, dramatic comment threads under some of the posts.

Comments under a post about the White Water Classic football game were quickly accused of being racist, and people began to bicker on the subject. A frustrated commenter said, "Another example of closed minded racism here Can't wait to leave the South."

That commenter felt at her wit's end, no doubt, but leaving town won't make racism disappear -- neither here in Columbus, nor wherever she may go next. If, however, this commenter chose to take a continual stand against racism in her own way, the situation may improve.

An interesting opinion article by Julian Long was posted on the page last week. Long discussed the indefensible nature of Ray Rice's violence toward his then-fiancée. The comments that followed took both sides, and an exasperated post read: "Enough already Stop talking about it and do something about it."

I liked that comment, assuming it was written in earnest. It felt more active than a lodged complaint sitting there in the digital ether as if it had the ability to make a change on the behalf of its author.

President Obama said something interesting in his Super Tuesday speech back in 2008. (Those reading online who care little for our president, the comment box below awaits you.) He said, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Motivating, isn't it?

I read another article this week. It announced a $5 million challenge by the John S. and James L. Knight foundation that will help finance original ideas to make our city more successful. Who comes up with these ideas? You do. I do. Any and all of us do.

The ideas should focus on one or more of the following: (1) attracting and keeping talented people, (2) creating economic opportunities and breaking down divides, and (3) spurring connection and civic involvement. Someone with a mind to combat racism might have a bright idea to pitch. And the commenter that challenges others to "do something about" domestic violence might have a great idea, too!

What do you complain about when you think about our city? Take that whine a step further and set change in motion. Though funds may help you, rest assured: you don't need the Knight foundation to make your world a better place.

-- Natalia Naman Temesgen is an independent correspondent. Contact her at nataliadian1@gmail.com or on Twitter @cafeaulazy.

This story was originally published September 20, 2014 at 11:40 PM with the headline "Natalia Naman Temesgen: Stop complaining and do something."