As most of you know, we have been wrestling with some tough issues here. Thank you. I have always said there is no topic the Intramuralist will intentionally avoid. Some topics are tougher than others to discuss — some will have far less consensus and prompt many more angles and tangents and potentially messy opinions — but we won’t shy away. As long as we are respectful — as long as we are willing to articulate thought and opinion in way that is sensitive to those who may not agree — we can talk about all things. I believe learning to talk about all things is key to making progress and crafting solution.
One of my greatest gripes about Washington (and wherever), in fact, is that we make so little progress together; we are not unified. Why? Because instead of learning to humbly listen and speak respectfully — in a way that makes us actually want to work together — we simply justify shouting louder. Note to all: that never works.
Hence, returning briefly to Tuesday’s topic surrounding the #BlackLivesMatter movement, I found the ensuing discussion incredibly insightful and thought-provoking… that is… for those who were willing to soberly listen and consider all that was said.
Later that day I engaged in another conversation regarding a transgender teen, at the heart of a controversy in Missouri. The teen desires to use the high school girls’ bathroom even though he is physiologically still male. Again, this is a tough topic to be sensitive to all people and perspectives. It’s often tough to have empathy for people who think different than “we” or “me.”
So as I wrestled with what is good and true and right, I began to think about the whole idea of “lives mattering” — a beautiful concept, no doubt, as we are each uniquely and wonderfully made.
Is our challenge that in all of our life mattering issues, there exists at least a perception (not necessarily a reality) that one life is more valuable than another?
Hear me here; there is zero harshness in my voice. I am attempting to process this together…
At the heart of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, is there a general perception in those genuinely advocating, that the lives of white people mean more — hence the motivation for the movement?
Regarding the accompanying mantra that cops’ lives matter — is there a perception that cops’ lives don’t matter as much as the grass roots’ movement?
Let’s extend this further…
In regard to the disabled — an issue near and dear to my heart — is there a perception that the life of a special needs individual is less valued and/or capable of contributing to our society?
And to the elderly, because they are old, are they perceived to have any less to give?
What about the delicate issue dealing with the unborn — is there a perception that the baby’s life is less valuable than the mother’s?
Or regarding that mother — is there a perception that her life matters less?
Friends, I am not attempting to set off any fresh, new hot button. I desire to wrestle with all that is good and true and right. And as I hear you and your many diverse, excellent insights, I wonder if there are multiple perceptions surrounding the quality of life that some of us — perhaps none of us — totally get. I appreciated, for example, the comment of a friend who respectfully offered that in regard to #BlackLivesMatter, there are some aspects white people simply don’t comprehend; just as when we consider the increasing violence against police, there are some aspects that those so emotionally entwined in the Black Lives movement also miss.
I wonder: is there some separate aspect of empathy each of us is missing when it comes to black lives, cops, the disabled, elderly, unborn, transgender, etc. etc. etc.?
What are we missing? What perceptions may be slightly skewed?
And can we… can we talk about it?
Respectfully…
AR