The Loss of Humanity
In my humaneness I am compassionate.
I care about other people.
Not based on anything other than
they are human beings.
Living breathing people;
made of flesh and bone with blood running
through their veins.
They are full of thoughts and feelings,
Wants and needs, just like me.
Our similarities are extraordinary.
Since I published my book “Humane Way to Mental Health” just over a month ago I’ve talked on many occasions about what this book is about. I’ve talked about the poems that I wrote to share the true stories of people that I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with over these many years. Their stories of depression, suicide, grief, domestic violence, bullying and social issues are something most people can understand.
What I haven’t explained is what led me to write this book. While I felt the many stories were compelling and needed to be shared, the greater drive was what I saw as a growing problem. Our loss of humanity.
I will not minimize the challenges we face in mental health. Our overwhelmed system and shortage of access points and providers is not a secret. This is about the connection between mental health and the humanity we may or may not show others.
Mental health and the loss of humanity play a role in societal issues we are facing.
The ability or even desire to treat each other in a humane way has been dwindling over these last few years. In my experience this is one of the largest contributors to the increase of anxiety, depression, domestic violence and suicide. People are not showing care and kindness towards one another. Instead we see indifference or even outright hostility and even hatred. In return people are left feeling stuck in their feelings of loneliness and despair.
On Friday, August 18, a 66 year old woman was shot and killed in Cedar Glen, California. Laura Ann Carleton, a business owner, wife and mother of nine was struck down because she displayed a LGBTQ+Pride Flag at her business. While she wasn’t a member of the LGBTQ+, she did spend time helping and advocating for others in the community.
Laura understood about being a human being and treating others in a humane way. For her kindness she paid the ultimate price with her life. So senseless. Why?
How hard is it to understand that we are all human beings? No matter the color of our skin. No matter our religion. No matter what language we speak. No matter who we love. No matter how big or small we might be. No matter what our political views. No matter our abilities or disabilities. The judgement of someone because they are not the same as you is no longer just a civil discussion or disagreement. It’s bullying. It’s become lethal. People shouldn’t have to die for being different or die because like Laura they support others rights to live their best and true lives. That’s all anyone is trying to do. You may not agree with another person and how they live. Remember that they don’t need your permission to live their life (without your judgement) anymore than you need their permission to live your life.
We have a choice. What will be yours?
You can be part of the solution. Show care and kindness to your fellow human beings. Be compassionate.
Or, You can be part of the problem. Judging others who are different or you don’t agree with how they live. Inserting yourself and your opinion uninvited into their business.
Or, You can be indifferent. Believing that none of what is going on around you impacts your life, family, world.
Until it does.
Remember what Martin Niemoller wrote:
“First They Came”
When the Nazis came for the Communists, I remained silent; I was not a Communist. When they came for the Social Democrats, I remained silent; I was not a Social Democrat. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, I did not speak out; I was not a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to protest.
I can’t tell you what choice to make. I want to be someone who acknowledges and supports human rights. I want to encourage others to be good humans. To act in a kind, caring and compassionate way to others . No matter what the differences may be. I believe this is the way to improve mental health.
Children aren’t born to hate. But as sure as they are taught to read and write, they are taught how to treat others. Be aware of how you talk and act around the children in your life.
I’m a realist and an optimist. Perhaps a weird combination. I’ve seen enough to know and see the inhumane in our society. Yet I have hope because there are still many like Laura who are willing to risk judgement and ridicule. What happened to her can be scary and make one reluctant to speak up out of concern for their personal safety. But we must not become complacent and silenced out of fear. How many more have to die? Whether it be the victim of hate or the advocate for a person’s rights, we must stand up for all of them.
Laura’s death didn’t just shine a light on how deadly discrimination and intolerance can be. That bright light shows the way that needs to be taken if we are all to be equal and free. As the saying goes, if one of us isn’t free or equal then none of us are.
I’m not Gay. I’m not African American or Hispanic. I’m not fleeing an oppressive country to save the life of my family. I’m not Jewish. Yet with everything that I am I believe all people; our fellow human beings, deserve to live their chosen lives in peace. I know I’m ready to live in peace. Are you?
Blessings,
Tammy
Check out my newest book available now!
