Well, it’s been two weeks and I wish that I could say that the world has emerged from its funk, but as I read the paper and scan the internet, the headlines are clear—it hasn’t. For the past several weeks, I’ve gone back and forth from trying to ignore the news and media to being uncontrollably curious as to what the latest catastrophe is. If Covid wasn’t bad enough, let’s throw in riots, race, politics and bad weather seemingly on every channel and every headline. And, unfortunately, this cloud of negativity and anger takes its toll and I believe that this toll is/will be as detrimental as any of the issues themselves.
Some past tragedies have brought us together as Americans as we were able to identify a foe and rally as a country for a common cause—this led to patriotism and a stronger sense of community. Today, we face a graver danger, the rallying cry that once pulled all citizens together is now focusing on singular communities and, at times, an us versus them mentality is pulling us apart. We have to fight against these wedges that can be so easily driven by the media and demagogues who feed off of them. Instead of buying into the angry rhetoric, we need to work harder to find our common bonds and to soften our communications—adding respect back into the equation. There are plenty of haters our there and, as you know, haters are going to hate. Someone, and I propose that this someone should be all of us, needs to take the high road. Here are some beliefs that I bet I share with many of you:
—America, with its faults, is still the best country in the world to experience democracy, religious and ethnic freedom and the opportunity to build a better life no matter where you start.
—Equal opportunity abounds in this country and vitriolic rhetoric that aims at segmenting us can do more harm than good. If your motives are truly pure, the only way to end discrimination is to stop discriminating against or for any one.
—We learned a long time ago all we need to know—treat people with respect and how you’d like to be treated yourself.
—We need to focus less on gripes and complaints (whining and bitching) and more on what needs to be done and what we are grateful for. Negativity breeds negativity and conversely, positivity breeds positivity.
—We need more vitamin D in our lives—70% of us are deficient and this increases our risks to severe Covid reactions—get out in the sun and/or take a supplement. While you’re at it, get some more Vitamin C as well.
—Oh yeah, laugh more often :-)!
Jl
