To a person, everyone I spoke to who had something to say about the recent election agreed that the advertisements were disgusting. Adults doing nothing more than spewing inflammatory garbage about their opponent instead of using their time and dollars to tell us what they were going to DO if elected. I was grateful for the mute button and my ability to hum loud enough to drown out the dreck. The passing of election day has diminished the quantity of the attacks, but the name calling continues. And it all stems from the fact that people have very differing opinions about what is right.
Also a very big topic in the news these days is bullying. Far too many heartbreaking stories about children and young adults who have chosen to end their lives to escape the barrage of hate directed at them from their peers. Hate that stems from people being labeled "different".
Reasonable adults express shock and dismay at the cruelty of the young people. But with the examples being set, should we be surprised? Remember the politicians? The pundits? On a more personal level perhaps, who hasn't witnessed (or even participated in...I'm guilty) office gossip that stems from one person taking offense at how a co-worker behaves or handles a situation?
What a different world we could live in if before we react, we ask ourselves, "Is this the kind thing to do?" Or if a difference of opinion needs to be addressed, "How can I talk about this and still be kind and considerate?" Taking just a moment to think could give us the time to choose a different, gentler path. What a terrific habit that would be.
I'm a huge proponent of progress, rather than perfection. I don't expect very many of us can say with certainty that we won't stumble more often than we'd like. But even trying will make a difference. I'm not Pollyanna enough to think we'll change the behavior of politicians. (Though I do wonder how they justify to their children their derisive advertisements and speeches -- while telling their children not to be bullies.) But I can start with me and you can start with you. And that's a start.
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