Musings

Thoughts after observing “Wokeness” and Cancel Culture, quarantining for COVID-19, and surviving cancer.

“When a man or woman is truly honest, it is virtually impossible to insult them personally.” ― Brennan Manning

When I've heard myself described by others, sometimes I'm surprised at how positively they perceive me. At other times, the snark and ugly reveals them more than it reveals me. And at still other times, a simple physical description can sting — not because it's given in malice or with a negative slant, but because it's true, and I don't like the trueness of it.

At the risk of being accused of painting with a broad brush, I wonder if many of the "offenses" and "causes" that stir up people's emotions are often rooted in the same unwillingness to admit truth?

We want perceptions to change, but we don't address realities. Things are — but why are they?

Can they change? How?

Should they change? Regardless of how much we wish they were different, is it better that they remain as they are? Can we keep the foundations solid while remodeling the structure?

Have we considered the long-term consequences?
Are we willing to live with those consequences?

We want people to see us in a better light, but we don't address the issues inside us that dim the light. How, then, do we see ourselves?

Food for thought.

"There is the you that people see and then there is the rest of you. Take some time and craft a picture of the rest of you. This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions." ― Brennan Manning, The Furious Longing of God

 

Communication and Respect

c2016, KB

There’s a meme I occasionally encounter on social media, and it’s a quote from Isaac Asimov:

There is a cult of ignorance, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge’.

Usually, I let the meme pass without comment.

Not so after the most recent encounter:

Unfortunately, democracy is made up of flawed human beings of varying perspectives, values, and educations. One trauma, one triumph, one challenge, one loss, one gain, one ________ can change our view of the world and of ourselves.

We — an all-encompassing “we” — need not assume that someone’s disagreement with our point of view means they are the ignorant one in the conversation.

Regardless of where we stand on certain issues, we too often think we stand above those with whom we do not agree. That, I think, is one main reason there are such gaping chasms between groups in this country.

Are only those with whom we agree worthy of courtesy?

Are only those we deem our intellectual equals worthy of our respect?

Are only those we consider morally correct worthy of being treated with decency?

We tend to assume we’re the ones with the whole truth, and often do not consider we might be mistaken.

On the other hand, there is absolute truth, and if we have no strength of conviction, we’ll never stand for anything.

There’s a time to hear and understand other points of view, even if we never change our own stance.

There’s a time to examine ourselves and explore other ideas, and then decide whether or not we need to adjust or to remain firm.

Simply because others disagree does not mean we double-down, speak louder, or become aggressive in trying to change their minds.

Maybe we’re the ones who are wrong.

Maybe, in our ignorance, we overlook their intelligence.