The Great Divide

If you label yourself conservative or Republican, I embrace you. If you label yourself liberal or Democrat, I embrace you. We are more than our labels. We are no more defined by what we perceive these labels to stand for, than we are defined by where we live or by any other label.

Photo byNathan DumlaoonUnsplash

These labels create continued divisiveness and a stalemate in helping our communities to thrive. There is judgment cast. People make fun of the way someone from the other side looks or speaks. Sounds bites are taken out of context and blown way out of proportion so that we focus on derision and scoffing versus supporting and reaching out.

Dialogue is replaced by memes sowing discord. Hatred of the other escalates. The opposing sides exist side by side in communities. If a community contains a majority of one or the other, one who aligns with the other side’s perceived values, may remain mum, hidden, and isolated. Groups of the like-minded form to oppose the other. Venom spews forth. Instead of calling a halt to this destructive pattern, we engage further.

It is time to call a halt. Reach across to all our brothers and sisters no matter how each defines him or herself. Start dialogue by a common denominator, even if the only thing in common is we are human. It is enough to start. Be a force for good and change without deriding those who think differently. The derision comes from believing the other side is stopping us from moving forward on our path or is forcing change when we do not want change. Let go of fear and trust that the other is a human who, even if thinking differently, also want what is best for the world.

We believe that if we shout loud enough and long enough our voice will be heard. This adds to the chaos. Speaking from a mindset does not change another’s perspective if different. It reinforces mindsets that believe the same. Reinforcement is not what we want.

Change will happen when we work together. When those identified with a label, release its hold and reach across with acceptance of the other and begin the dialogue. Where do we want to go? How do we want to get there? Who do we both trust to lead? Fear exists that when one lets go of one’s label, but the other doesn’t, the first will be at a disadvantage and lose power. It takes trust. It takes time. It takes baby steps, and we are all babies in the great scheme of things. Let’s grow up together.