Our first flag in the U.S. represents UNITY. It also represents INDEPENDENCE from those who oppressed others. It doesn’t matter who were the oppressors or the oppressed. It matters that we learn and heal and grow as caring human beings. As I write this it seems like an oxymoron to say “unity” and “independance” in the same train of thought. It take listening and seeing to learn how they are most compatible indeed.
Today I am not sharing any photographs or paintings. Today I ask you to open your eyes and ears to those around you. To listen and to see. Stop and really listen and really see.
I read so many hate filled posts today extolling thier rightous beliefs. By saying strongly their beliefs they feel they then don’t have to listen to anyone else. They are right, and anyone disagreeing is wrong. Narrow-minded is what some call this.
I suggest before you express your beliefs, you stop and think of how to tamper them with empathy for those who disagree with you. Those you are trying to “teach” will learn better if you come to them with some level of understanding of why they think they think.
Let them know that you think the way they think because of……..whatever experiences life has taught them. Ask them to kindly take a moment to hear why you believe what you believe based on your life experiences.
You can always agree to disagree. Probably that will be the outcome in many instances. But at the very least you will realize and agree with each other that your differences are not personal. And sometimes you’ll understand your understandings have been in error. You might learn how to be a better human, neighbor, person with each other.