In a recent post I referenced this idea that we pick and choose what we care about. If it affects me, I care. But if it doesn’t directly affect me, it’s a little bit out of sight, out of mind, so-to-speak. I’m thinking that’s not always the wisest approach.
But I’m sensing we oft entertain an equally unwise approach.
Let’s get there. But first, allow us to acknowledge what pollster persons are suggesting we currently, collectively care most about now that election season is in full (sometimes a little even annoying) throttle. According to multiple polling outlets (including those sponsored by left, right, and center-leaning sites, such as the New York Times, Rasmussen Reports, and Reuters), the most important issues to Americans in order of priority are currently as follows:
- The economy
- Inflation
Or…
- Inflation
- The economy
Those two issues are consistently, currently dominant.
Issues of significant, collective concern to voters across the country also include violent crime, immigration, foreign policy, the state of democracy, abortion laws, climate approach, and increased political polarization; however, each of these issues statistically pales in comparison to the above 1 and 2.
According to the most recently released analysis from Pew Research Center, only 17% of U.S. adults say the economy is in excellent or good shape. Reports Pew, “As has been the case all year, the economy is clearly the top issue for voters; fully 79% say it will be very important to their voting decisions — the highest share among 18 issues included on the survey.”
It’s tough out there right now, friends. Only 21% of us say our personal finances are stronger than they were a year ago.
But let us be respectful of all in different situations than self. Always. Which, therefore, leads us to the second, perceived equally unwise approach…
Not only do we tend to care most about the issues/law/legislation that directly affect us on a daily basis, we also get lured into this imperious idea that we know best what everyone else should most care about, too. For example…
Because my student debt is now forgiven, you should care about that, too.
Because I have a kid in Taiwan, you should care about that, too.
And not only should you care about it, you should care about it as much as I do!
Friends, I think we’re making an understandable, but unmindful mistake. And it’s a mistake that’s hurting us far more than perhaps we know. We keep falling prey to this perspective that we know best what another should care about… that we know best what another should care about most… that we can determine that for another!
Something seems so wrong in that to me. Something so shortsighted… non-empathetic… maybe ignorant, too.
No judgment, friends — we’ve all been guilty. But I’m thinking this side of eternity none of us are so discerning and capable to dictate what should be most important to another. A wiser approach would be to refrain from judgment, respect via empathy, and give each person — self included — the grace and space to be fully convinced and satisfied in their own mind.
Respectfully…
AR