We struggle to understand the world around us, our countries, our neighborhoods, and sometimes even our friends and our families. When we set forth to bring about change, the first thing that many do is to frame the work of effecting change as a "fight" that we must embark upon.
Does it matter what words we use? Of course it does. Even though our language is so steeped in the terminology of war as to seem hardly noticeable, by pausing and at least considering the conscious use of a less bellicose vocabulary, we may be more able to engage with one another.
Let's say that one lesson we've learned through this election cycle is that there are a whole lot of people who see things very differently than we do. Because of the way we birds of a feather flock together, our opportunities to engage with, let's say, people who voted for Mr. Trump, may only be created with some effort outside our proverbial "comfort zones." If I want a chance to change someone's mind, I even have to be willing to listen to whatever the "other" has to say. If I come in anger or dismissiveness to the conversation, it's unlikely that I'll find any satisfaction.
*************December 14, 2016
I started this piece three weeks ago. In the meanwhile, my ears have been accutely aware of the ways we use words like "war" and "fight" instead of "struggle" and "work" when we're talking about civics and health and politics. More on the topic of how our words affect our way of thinking in a coming post...
Also, I've found my priorities are shifting. In the first three weeks after the election I was in shock and in need of comforting myself perversely through talking up the idea of getting to know some Trump voters so that I could better understand.
Lately, I'm much more likely to be combing multiple new analyses to be better prepared for the ongoing work of standing up for both the oppressed and my principles. Now more than ever, I see the need for action -- as a gay man, as a progressive, and as a citizen.
My friend Natasha has been a great instigator, and I thank her!
Right now the big full moon is tugging at my heart somethin' turrible. My cup floweth over.