The Only Way
Our troubled reality is too big for us to solve as creatives. But we can come together.
Ok, what I’m about to say may feel bad in its realism.
No matter the country, citizens feel lost and neglected by rulership. Candidates present shiny, yet hollow promises. Political rhetoric is lofty, but power corrupts as it always has. And division seems to come standard in so much of our culture. As long as peace, dignity, justice and security for all elude humanity, there will always be those who are marginalized and oppressed.
So, how does a good soul survive? Give up on creative pursuits? Live out angry, bitter lives? We come together. Because it’s the only way left for reasoning, thinking people.
Questions for humans
Let’s ponder some things, just for a minute.
Can we agree harming another person through words and/or deeds is wrong? That projecting hurt only breeds hate and causes us more hurt in turn? And that it’s a show of strength when we seek forgiveness for our mistakes? We agree on that.
Can we agree disagreement isn’t hate? Having differing views is part of the live-and-let-live values most claim to have. So how then does disagreeing with someone become a reason to wish others ill, incite violence or worse? Does it have to be that way? It doesn’t.
And, can we agree any extreme view is likely harmful to ourselves, our families, our communities? We live in a world of subtlety and nuance. Just as the natural world is diverse, complex and mysterious, people are equally so. At times we’re all insecure and vulnerable even in our most confident moments. Can we pursue more balance in our views? We can.
Everyone has their own answers to these questions. Most would agree bringing good into the world is important. For our families and children. But it takes conviction and patience to champion this. That’s why so it’s difficult.
Reasons to believe
People are mostly good. When a neighbor’s house is on fire, even the grumpiest guy on the block will act to help someone. Most want to do what’s right, even if that’s not the message online. Not everyone in our neighborhood is a rage monster.
Perspective helps a ton. Just because vocal minorities scream, shout and demean others online, doesn’t mean we have to buy-in to their approach or spend time viewing their “content.” We choose what’s important to us.
Listening still helps. Letting a neighbor vent may be tough in the moment, but what if it makes them feel listened to? Ask questions. Ask them how they feel things might be better right here, in your community, on your street. Let them speak.
Creatives support each other. As creative individuals, think about the talents and skills we have. Isn’t it awesome to get to make our ideas happen? No matter how big or small? Encouraging fellow artists of all ages spreads goodwill.
We aren’t born bullies. Someone once said “hurt people, hurt people.” It’s true. It’s also true that not all those who mock and intimidate others will listen to reason. But some will. Can we be a force for reason in our community?
Most want peace. We all know living a life dominated by rage and conflict contributes to bad health, broken relationships, lost wages, unrealized dreams and ultimately an untimely end. (Research* it.) Help someone breathe easier when possible.
Words heal too. Much of online culture is about toxicity, hurtful gossip and words used to tear down. But the time we spend with people in search of common ground and understanding, is golden. Think of your favorite person as a kid. It was likely someone who helped you and made you feel better. What if we could be that person for someone?
I think a lot about these things, but don’t have all the answers. And with the way things are, I’m trying to remember others don’t have all the answers either. I just know we’re all in need of something we can only get by coming together and seeking to humanize each other. And we need it now.
The days ahead
What does “coming together” look like? Practically speaking, it means doing more in-person events. Such as the recent Family Funday I participated in at Phoenix Art Museum. It was great getting to talk to others while drawing and hearing their stories. It also means hosting some free and ticketed events of my own. Virtually too. Making chances to chat and connect with others for real.
You see, the days ahead will be what we make of them. (Mostly.) Sure, good and not-good things will continue to happen. Socially. Politically. Economically. Those things aren’t us, but they do happen around us and to us. ALL of us.
So let’s keep giving others some grace. Let’s smile once and a while for what we have as creatives. Let’s go out of our way for someone now and then. Our communities need it. And together is the only way we’re gonna make it.
–E
*BTW – This 2006 article about anger is helpful when it comes to outlining the damage anger does. “The hostile heart, is a vulnerable one.”
