After the many months long quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it looks like we might be ready to re-emerge and return to gathering for learning, work, and play!
But… almost instantly we are facing new more demanding mandates.
Polarization takes advantage of our fears and focuses on our differences to drive us ever further apart politically, economically, and culturally. Because we are weakened when we are separated, we become more defensive, we reinforce the barriers that seem favorable to our view and we condemn the views and beliefs of others.
To further justify our choices, we begin to talk about our rights and tell others that we are only defending that sovereign territory to which we (those who agree with me) are entitled. Rights allow us to focus on our own interests and ignore or dismiss the needs and interests of others. In the end, my rights determine what is right or wrong and woe to those who would choose to disagree.
Responsibility is focused on making choices and behaving in a manner that meets the needs and respects the rights of others. It requires us to thoughtfully consider the best course of action for the benefit of the greatest number of people and not just our own interests. Walking the fine line between getting what we want and doing all we can to help others is made simpler when we
make our intentions each day are to increase the value of each person we meet and improve the communities we live in.
As we embrace our civic and social responsibilities, we begin to dismantle the barriers that led to our polarization and instead we begin to build bridges that enable us to reach places and achieve results that we could not previously imagine.
Our impact in the community is amplified as we collectively build momentum and inspire one another to go the extra mile.
