Learning Curve

This chapter represents the catharsis that can explosively ignite after years of poverty, frustration, and anger. Armed with a loaded shotgun,  an American flag, and volumes of potent moonshine;  I celebrated my 40th birthday on an isolated Wyoming ranch. Feeding the flames of an arson-induced fire, and wondering if I should add my American flag, I attempt to understand what responsibilities an indigent homeless man still owes to greater US society.

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This chapter looks at my struggle to remain a pacifist. It was inspired by actual dialogue with African-American martial arts experts. It includes discussion about the politics of tracking down one’s ethnic heritage and “white” identity. (more…)

This is the grand finale of Road Rash. It looks at the tremendous impact that foreign NGOs and the booming tourism industry have had in Nepal. It asks the questions: Is all this globalization a good thing or is it just destroying traditional cultures? Does this push for widespread global capitalism threaten quintessential elements of the human soul? I look at my own ethnic roots and explore how they are being lost in the great American “melting pot”.  As the stroke of the New Year arrives, I race to the top of a building trying to escape numerous attempts to sell me something. (more…)