Broadening perspective of the human condition through introspection

Not long ago as you may remember, I wrote about perspective.  I shared about a recent experience and how I had encountered and resolved an unexpected obstacle.  I have continued looking for ways since then to broaden my perspective and to be more introspective.  I find the work that I have come to know these many years to be rewarding.  I have had the great honor of hearing  stories and sharing the joys and tragedies of many lives.  The people that I have encountered are diverse.  They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands and wives. They are sons and daughters.  They are Christian, Atheists, Agnostics, Jewish and Muslim in their personal belief system.  A few have been Druid, Wiccan and Pagan.  They have been White, Hispanic and African American.  Some have been gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.  They are conservatives, liberals and independent in their political beliefs.  Their common challenges have included depression, anxiety, marital discord, grief and so much more.  Whatever help I may have been to each of them, they have been so much more to me.  I’m different for having known all these people.  I’m humbled by them and the trust they have placed in me.  With each story,  I feel I have grown and gained a better understanding, greater acceptance, tolerance and empathy for people.  All people.   They have taught me about the human condition.

I was reading a news story on social media over the weekend and was struck by how “verbally aggressive” people have become towards one other.  They were commenting on a post by a local news outlet and each had their own slant on the story.  It became hostile.  Judging, name calling and varied expletives were fair game.  At a time when we as a nation have concerns about threats from outside our borders, whether it be North Korea or other terrorists, these attacks on each other are unsettling.  Social media has emboldened people to say things they might not have otherwise said. It feels like a line is being crossed and perspective lost.  These attacks on each other have been on the increase and for all my experience working with people I’m taken back by how fast comments will deteriorate and how people will attack friends or total strangers for who they are or what they believe.

Making blanket statements about people based on their race, religion, sexual orientation or political preferences doesn’t reflect on the person to whom the comments are directed.  It reflects on the person making the statements.  It takes no courage to disparage someone through a computer screen.  It lacks forethought, compassion, empathy and acceptance.  There is little tolerance for differences.  More and more this has become the normal.  Or so it seems.

Recently social media took the stage again, front and center, as it served to incite reaction and stir controversy regarding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.  I was and still am a huge football fan.  Have been most of my life.  I especially love the Colts.  I have cheered for them in good times and in bad.  I’m loyal.  So…when things heated up about the players kneeling, I listened.  Having become upset with the players, people took to social media to express their feelings and to judge others for expressing theirs.   Burning team jerseys and season tickets, refusing to watch games and of course name calling.  It had all of that and more.

For the record,  I don’t agree with the players kneeling during the national anthem.  I do respect their first amendment right to do it. This is my truth.  It may not be yours.  When Colin Kaepernick first refused to stand for the national anthem during preseason games in 2016, he stated his reasons were related to raising awareness to issues affecting minorities and to bring attention to the current state of civil rights in the United States.  By the time Kaepernick did this, there had already been issues within the NBA with select players refusing to stand during the national anthem.  But, it wasn’t until this year, really these last few months, that having players not standing during the national anthem drew such widespread criticism.  Social media has played a major role in this public outcry.

I was well aware of Kaepernick’s refusal (along with those who would join him) to stand during the national anthem since it first happened.  I was never a fan of this behavior.  For me their cause was just, but their protest was that of inaction and thus served no purpose.  As professional athletes they have a platform that they should have used.  Instead, they chose to kneel.  I would have been more impressed and moved to support them if they had taken real action.  For example, publicly demonstrated their increased support for boys and girls clubs.  And, every one of them should be a Big Brother.  Imagine the difference that would make. Partnering with law enforcement to work with kids; establishing communication, building relationships with police and doing activities with them.  Support for programs in communities where there are people that live in poverty and are in need of basic services that may be lacking.  Volunteering at food banks, churches, health clinics, etc…  There are so many “action” things that could/should have been done.  Rewarded financially for their athletic skills and put on pedestals as celebrities, these individuals have opportunities, along with responsibilities.  The first amendment that others have fought and died for does give them the right to kneel.  But, in my opinion, they should rise to the occasion and be part of the change that they so desperately seek.

In the story, I was reading over the weekend comments became about religion and politics.  The story had nothing to do with either of these.    The conversation moved away from the original story very quickly.  This is in part with has happened with the NFL players too.  What they were trying to accomplish with kneeling got completely lost and became about them disrespecting their flag and their country.  That is in part because there was nothing natural or logical that connected kneeling during the national anthem to current issues with civil rights. But, the other part is that it became about reacting, judging and name calling.  We, as a people responded to their inaction with inaction of our own.  Passive, verbal attacks, gestures, but no coming together.  No looking for solutions.  It is the way of social media these days.  Is this the human condition of 2017?  Is this our best?

Perspective.  Each person who participated in sharing their opinion about the NFL players had their own perspective.  That by itself isn’t the issue.  Life provides opportunities to constantly broaden our individual perspectives.  To hold our own truths while still being able to glance through someone else’s eyes once in awhile. To feel comfortable enough with your personal beliefs that you don’t have to persuade another to believe as you do.  To accept differing points of view.  To remember what you have control over and what you don’t.   In the above instance, we can’t control NFL players kneeling during the national anthem. But, we can control how we react to it by our words and deeds.  And by the way, we could get back on point and actually have an intelligent discussion about the state of civil rights which was the whole point of the players kneeling in the first place.  When we have moments of frustration (and we will),we must choose how and where to  verbalize them.  There are things we say privately and there are things we share publicly.  Your opinion does matter.  You have the right to voice it.  I encourage you to step back and do your own introspection and find your own truth.

“It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.”  ~George Eliot~

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” ~Aristole~

Have a Blessed Day!

Tammy