Both of those subjects were consciously avoided by my in-laws, my lovely wife and I. We weren’t going to change each other’s ideas and it would only lead to harsh words. Instead, we focused on enjoying our visit. There was much else we could talk about. It was good to see them.
People’s politics, and yes. even their religion, can change over time. Why get in a tizzy over stuff like that? Family will always be family. We all want the best for each other. Our differences are in how those good things will best be achieved.
It got me thinking. Maybe the whole country should take that approach: focus on what we have in common. The things that divide us should be put on the back burner and we should focus on the positive. Keep the important stuff in mind. We all want to be able to live in peace with a measure of prosperity. We want to see our kids grow up smart, healthy and happy. The differences are in how we expect to get there.
Maybe we should all chill a bit. Accept that maybe no one of us has all the answers. Think back to a time in life when your politics or other beliefs may have differed from what they are now. If we can accept change in ourselves, maybe we should allow other people to evolve.
Once we do that, we may find something else in common. There are those who use political and religious differences to weaken and control us. We may treat those people with the contempt they deserve. Too many careers have been founded on fear and hate. Why should people benefit from our strife? Let’s put those things aside and enjoy what we have in common -just like family.
-Sixbears
Christmas Fish
12 hours ago
Well stated Sixbears. I notice that nearly all religions encourage people to be kind to one another, to be good parents and spouses and beaa credit to their community. Although we may disagree on many of the details of religion, the common traits are there - we should focus more on what we have in common then our differences.
ReplyDeleteAll my life people have been saying we shouldn't talk about religion and politics with each other, it just leads to hard feelings. This is true only if we allow ourselves to get angry or won't accept another's right to believe whatever they want.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. My views on these subjects has changed several times in my life. This is usually a direct result of talking about these things with other people. I would like to see the social norm become more of an encrouragement for all people to discuss and debate these topics, rather than avoid them.
Without discourse one can never learn. Without learning, one tends to fear and hate the unknown. In other words, fill that empty head of mush. Become enlightened...
ReplyDeleteI don't mind talking about those subjects, as long as you agree with me (grin).
ReplyDelete"Too many careers have been founded on fear and hate."
ReplyDeleteI think you may have summed up most of the world's problems.
We fear raced, gender, religion, political agenda, most things we're not familiar with, and classify things as "right" and "wrong." It all causes separation which leads to fear, suspicion and the herd mentality.
Not bothering about differences might be fine, if there was no such thing as truth, and if "truth" didn't ultimately amount to "reality". It would do little good to have everybody get along or agree to disagree, if you're on a bus with those people that is headed toward a bridge that some "stubborn, close-minded, bigoted jerk" had caused potential conflict among you by insisting it (the bridge) was really and truly missing. Well, it might not be fun to argue about it, but either it is or it isn't, and everyone's fate depends on knowing what the truth is.
ReplyDelete