Ok, I originally had a completely different topic for my blog today. But as I sit here in a crowded Panera trying to work, I'm unable to concentrate due to the loud conversation next to me. As I think more about it, this conversation is indicative of one of the major problems I see in our society as a whole.
Two very expensively dressed women are sitting next to me. After complimenting one another on their latest plastic surgery (I kid you not!), they have proceeded to pick apart every friend and family member that appears to disagree with them.
Their politics are quite definitely liberal. Frankly, I have no problem with that. The reason I know their politics are liberal, is that anytime they finish picking apart someone's looks, clothing, and religion, they finish up with, "and you know, she's a Republican!" They then finish how there's no reason to talk to "those people" since they don't believe in "facts."
Now honestly, I don't care whether someone is a Democrat or Republican. I have very close friends who are solidly in both camps, and I consider myself an independent. My problem, is with extremists in any form. Recently, I confronted some men protesting in front of the post office. They had doctored a picture of President Obama to look like Hitler, and then written "Obama Sucks" underneath it. I explained to them that regardless of politics, as a Jewish person and as a mother, I found it completely offensive that I had to drive by that display with my children. One gentleman actually seemed to listen. Another kept getting in my face, trying to bait me into a fight. I spoke my mind respectfully, then left.
For me, these two scenarios illustrate one of the most pressing problems for our country: the complete inability to put ourselves in another's shoes. The Right accuses the Left of spreading lies and manipulating statistics. The Left accuses the Right of the same. Does anyone take the time to listen anymore? I mean REALLY listen, not just listen to the extent that you can form your next argument. What is more important to us? To "win"? To be "right" at all costs? What does that really accomplish? What if, instead, we sought to understand one another, to find common ground with one another, and build on that common ground to find real ways to work together to improve life for all people?
So, in retrospect, was I a little hard on my fellow diners? Perhaps. Perhaps I was a little hard on the Post Office protesters, too. I guess it just gets under my skin to hear someone, anyone, harshly and vocally judge another person, and then accuse that person of being judgemental. But aren't we all guilty of that at some time or another? Don't we all "look at the speck that is in [our] brother's eye, but...not notice the log that is in [our] own eye? (Mat.7:3)
Perhaps I should thank my lunch neighbors. Even though I dismissed them as shallow and self absorbed, listening to them (eavesdropping doesn't count when the other parties are speaking above a certain decibal level, right?) taught me something about myself. Perhaps if I'm more inclined to honestly try to understand another person's heart and love those who, to me, seem unlovable, my attitude might rub off on others. Maybe there would even be a domino effect that could start some sort of positive revolution! Well, maybe not. It doesn't matter. The only one I can be responsible for is me. From now on, I want to choose to love. At least most of the time.
But just for the record, Peggy and Elena, whoever you are, watch your backs! Your friends secretly think you're ignorant and they don't think you chose the right plastic surgeon either!
No comments:
Post a Comment