I am increasingly frustrated with the division in our communities. I am bothered by the labels we put on others and ourselves. Labels divide and cause discord.
Perhaps the label has some truth, but the reality is that the label does not fix the problem. More often, it exacerbates the problem. I could discuss a rather lengthy list of examples, but, in the process, would surely offend someone—one who is looking to be offended, as so many are today. Rather, I prefer a solution based approach. (Something that is so logical, but so absent in our society.) The first step in any solution-based approach is to acknowledge that there is a problem. This is the biggest obstacle to growth and change in our communities. In too many cases, admitting that there is a problem is only one-sided. Societal problems, however, are never one-sided. The deepest-rooted problems are often the least well understood or accepted. So, we deny them or excuse ourselves as “not responsible”. Surely, few of us are the actual root cause of the problems in our communities. We are all, however, the solution.
Whatever divides a society is artificial. It is man-made. Thus, we can solve any problem, if we try.
Two things have to happen once a problem is acknowledged. 1. The involved parties have to accept responsibility (not as the cause—at this point, who cares who is at fault?) We must all accept our responsibility to fix the problem. 2. The involved parties have to have a conversation. Personally, I am tired of the protesting and finger pointing. Neither brings any solution to the problem. Rather these further the rift in our society. We who are willing need to initiate the conversation and welcome all voices to the table. We have to be willing to listen. Moreover, we have to be willing to accept that the solution is out of our scope of experience.
There is a riddle: What is a four-letter word, ending in ‘k’ that means the same as ‘intercourse’? Think about it.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!