I've been on this earth for 72 years. I'm old, frustrated, confused, and terrified over the future. I'm not just worried about America, but about civilization everywhere. With each passing day, we seem to get a little less civilized. I'm sick and tired of watching us go into our own specific corner, put on our boxing gloves, and come out swinging.
Democrats vs Republicans: We even divide ourselves inside those groups, neocons vs moderately conservative and progressives vs moderately liberal. Black vs whites, police vs citizens, and creationists vs evolutionists. We have those who believe in the science of climate change and the deniers, the wealthy capitalists against the poor and middle class, the stupid tea party vs everybody who is not a carbon copy of them, and the 2nd Amendment gun fanatics vs those who believe in some common sense gun control. This list could go on and on. I'm weary of watching us scream at each other. How did we get so polarized?
It is easy to blame media who sensationalize every event. Controversy, sex, and violence sell papers and increases ratings. Stations like MSNBC and Fox News fan the flames. Don't get me started on technology and social media. We say things to each other on-line that we would never say face to face. Realty shows encourage us to stab each other in the back with lies and trickery to win a cash prize. They turn every aspect of life into a competition and appeal to the lowest common denominator in our society. Look at our entertainment and our culture of violence. TV shows like Criminal Minds, Hannibal, Law and Order, and CSI. We are obsessed with autopsies, murder and mayhem. Have you noticed how many apocalyptic shows have caught fire? It is like we have no hope for the future and are simply waiting to see what evil force will bring about the end of the world.
The internet has brought about the rise of terrorism like never before. ISIS beheading innocent victims and recruiting our vulnerable youth. The question begs to be asked: What would make a young person feel so disenfranchised that they would leave home to join a terrorist group?
The internet has created a global community. We have the perfect medium for sharing the very best each culture has to offer. Shouldn't that reinforce the notion of universal humanity? No matter where we are on the planet each individual feels joy, pain, fear, and hope. Each and every one of us desperately need food, clothing and shelter. We all suffer from susceptibility to horrible diseases. We all crave beauty in art, music, and dance. We all laugh, cry, and bleed. Shouldn't our commonalities unite us and make us feel empathetic to those who need assistance?
Here in the United States aren't we all Americans first and foremost? Doesn't that take precedence over our political affiliation? The values expressed in our constitution and all the rights that accompany that document certainly should make us proud and respectful of the rights of each and every individual. Why can't we focus on areas of agreement and peacefully compromise on the areas where we disagree? There must be a way to modify our interactions with those whom we disagree. A little less selfishness would go a long way. Can we let go of views that are extreme and move more toward cooperation and working together for the benefit of all? Certainly the notion of sitting down and peacefully talking and listening to each other isn't an impossibility.
I know I sound like little Miss Pollyanna telling everyone to play nice and that isn't the reality we face today. However, if each one of us did a little soul searching and ask ourselves this question: "How does my own behavior and attitude affect others?", maybe we could find a path to a more pleasant peaceful existence. I am hanging on to my faith that respect, compassion, and change is possible. Don't we all deserve that?