Identity "this, that and the other" is ripping humanity apart...
A recognition of self (edited from a recent school assignment):
Identity "this, that, the other" and identity politics are ripping humanity apart...it is completely unnecessary...and most of it coming from every direction is steeped in a false premise of "the other."
I was raised in a social eco-system that encourages constant improvement (improvement implies an awareness of self and an acknowledgment that there is room to grow--get better) whether in terms of athletics, academics or simply as a human being.
The U.S. Army's first principle of leadership is "Know yourself and seek self-improvement."
I lived in this "Army" world for more than 22 years.
I don't think in terms of all the categories and boundaries that humans continue to manufacture and further, place pre-conceived ideas and value-based labels (usually negative, hate laced narratives) on all of said categories.
When I walk into a Starbucks or an airport lounge and see people that don't look like me and don't speak the same language as I do...I see a coffee shop or lounge full of humans.
It remains one of my favorite experiences to be surrounded by 3 or 4 disparate conversations (each in a different language) none of which I can understand.
Humanity--awesome!
Difference and diversity are to be celebrated. Variety is what makes this such a rich and beautiful planet.
Yet no single category is superior to another.
Common humanity is to be embraced.
We are all on the same team--there is only one human race.
I am painfully aware of my flaws, the gifts & talents I do not have as well as the areas in which I can improve.
I am also keenly aware of my strengths and the areas in life which I seek to accent.
I'm comfortable in my skin...I've seen 29 countries on 5 continents over nearly 47 years of lived experience--I have not lived a sheltered or narrow life.
I've seen deep pain--some I have caused and some caused by others.
I've witnessed unjustified death up close and personal; the kind of death that makes the cover of Newsweek magazineā¦I have dear friends who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and now reside in Arlington National Cemetery.
I've been a victim of structural power abuse by men who look just like me.
I've looked in the eye of patriarchy at the very highest levels of sovereign governments--and that patriarchy does not look like me.
Hate, lies, greed, prejudice, malice, and lust for power do not care what "category" a human inhabits.
There are too many counter-truths to the categorical truth claims of those who seek to maintain division and separation of category.
Smiles, kindness, generosity and forgiveness do not care what "category" a human inhabits.
And yet, this is my choice--my conscious choice--to maintain a world view that sees the best in humanity.
A choice that seeks to understand self, how and where I fit in and will contribute to humanity...and to forever improve each new day.
What if it Just Started Raining?
