Compassion
November 11, 2016
November 11, 2016
I've tried to talk myself into not looking at Facebook or the news these last couple of days as my blood pressure rises with each post. As you know, it's not really in my nature to turn away from either one.
I wish I could design a "compassion filter", though -- in my own grief over the election of Trump at this moment in my walk through history, compassion can be the one thing that stands up against the ugly formidable forces of fear and rage. It comes in the form of our school principal sending out a letter reaffirming that our High School does not tolerate hate and will actively stand up for students no matter their gender identity, race, religion, or political belief. It comes in the form of our institution's president gently reminding those of us who fear losing our jobs to the force of Republican anti-science rhetoric that we actually do have people on both sides of the aisle in Washington who take our research seriously. For me I tried to use it to counter my anger by renewing my contribution to the IRC - a rescue organization that assists refugees in crisis.
My own little world is safe, but the fear that is out there is palpable. A friend posted that someone he knows attempted suicide and as he was being helped said that he feared being subjected to gay conversion therapy by Trump and Pence. A myriad of stories are out there as Latinos and Muslims also express the fear they are living through.
My own little world is safe, but the anger that is out there is palpable. It is what elected Trump against all reason. The Democrats failed to see it and what a powerful force it is. There are also a myriad of stories and Facebook posts about hate crimes and hate messages. And in news headlines, the KKK is celebrating.
I don't always think People realize they are practicing hate when they call people they don't agree with "libtards" on Facebook, or when they claim Republicans only voted for Trump because of bigotry. They don't realize they are practicing hate when they post spiteful comments about protesters or when they fan the flames of fear.
But compassion is something one knows when they practice it, because an act of compassion diminishes fear, rage, and hate all at once -- for both the giver and recipient. If you are "liberal" like me, check what you say before posting. Is there a message of compassion in there? Will your post effect change as a result of compassion? Even if you are posting something critical of Trump or the Republicans, are you making it clear you're also advocating healing for someone who is currently hurting? If you are Conservative or Republican are you giving us a chance to grieve? Are you reassuring us with something other than mildly condescending platitudes? Are you recognizing that when people protest or cry out in anguish that their fear and anger is real to them and even justified?
To me, this week is my "9/11" -- when all of my culture around me seems to have toppled. Healing comes slowly. One man was given power who tends to say very authoritarian things. He could help a great deal by delivering a simple speech opposing the violence and hatred that is being practiced in his name. I'm still waiting . . .
I was very critical of his Presidency, but in our first "9/11" President Bush was quick to give a number of public statements in the months that followed, making it clear that we do not hate Muslims, and that it was not okay to practice that hatred within our own borders. It was his act of compassion to try to heal a culture that had toppled -- and for people like me who listened to that message, it was much needed encouragement opening a path to hope and closing a door to despair.
