One of the topics of our notebooks was to reflect on the Tunnel of Consciousness and say how one can take action to change these injustices. I just wanted to share what I had written as a simple way to begin to combat these problems around us.
1. Be aware.
I think all too often we walk around in our own little world. We are preoccupied with our own thoughts and feelings to really see and understand our surroundings.It may even be that we're too bust looking down at our cell phones or iPads to see the social injustices that take place right here on campus. No change will be made if we first aren't aware of the problem.
2. Seeing things from others point of view
In order to deal with social injustices we must see things from others point of view. We may not agree with their way or we may not want that for ourselves, but we must try to understand others. For example, one of the exhibits was all about religious oppression. You may not believe the same thing as another individual, but that doesn't give you the right to harm them. In addition, it may be hard for you to understand an individual who changes gender. Instead of instantly judging or rejecting them, take a second to see if from their point of view. They can't help that they feel this way.
3. Be Accepting
I'm sure we have all know of a time we have seen someone be rejected or have been rejected ourselves. Especially with bullying, it can be hard to be a bystander and take action. We may be scared that we will get made fun of or we may be scared of the bullying attacking us too, verbally or physically. However, being a passive bystander will never result in change. We must stand up to those doing wrong and take action. Also, befriend the rejected. Get to know those who may be "different." Be accepting.
Your encouragement to see things from others’ viewpoint reminds me of an extra credit assignment I’ve given in years past, but which hardly anyone has tried! Find someone you know who has a completely different view on a controversial issue you care about. Ask to meet up with the person and sincerely ask why he or she thinks this way, and SIMPLY LISTEN. DON’T INTERRUPT. DON’T JUDGE. See how and why she has come to this position. The Buddhists call this “deep listening,” and more of us could practice this in our daily lives. It doesn’t mean we have to agree with them. It means we need to invest more in truly understanding another. Your three pieces of advice are helpful whenever we feel like thee's little we can do in this world.
ReplyDelete