In a world in such turmoil, as it is today, it strikes me that the fundamental cause of our problems is rooted in our misunderstanding of each other. It is our inability to open our minds and hearts to see the perspective of someone else. We fall back on our snap judgments, assumptions, and prejudices to pen a fictional story of someone we have never taken the time to get to know. We have to let go of what we think we know, and take the time to listen and really hear others.
We all do it, whether consciously or unconsciously, and our society is not improved for it. It is so easy to forget that being of flesh and blood is our biggest unifier. We may come from different cultures, hold different beliefs, and have different skin colors, but all of our motivations are human. Some of today's current events are the biggest indicator that our lack of understanding has dire implications.
Many people are terrified of the Syrian refugees coming into our country and using our tax money, or worse, that we may inadvertently allow a terrorist onto U.S. soil. These concerns are valid, but on the flip side, have we really spoken to and heard any of the refugees? Do we really understand their plight and what they have endured to make a better life for their families? Would we not also want a second chance at a good life if we were in their shoes? The scenario changes when you consider real lives with names and faces, hopes and dreams.
Islamophobia has run rampant for the past months, and even years since 9/11. But if we really learned about the religion, we'd know that those who are truly Islams are peaceful. The terrorists call themselves Islam, but their extremist views and interpretation of the Quran are a misrepresentation of the religion. And now, those who do practice Islam do not feel safe or accepted in their homes and communities. The very foundation of our country was built based on the desire to escape religious persecution, and yet, we now place that burden on another group.
Those are just two examples of how our quickness to judge and extrapolate has a human cost. We all have our differences, but the capacity to live and let live is much-needed in the world. While I can't change the way everyone thinks, I can certainly change my own mindset. So this year, as I consider my New Years resolutions, I make it my mission to expand my worldview, in order to gain more understanding, and then to share it with others.
I came upon a quote on a magnet that said "Become friends with people who aren't your age. Hang out with people whose first language isn't the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn't come from your social class. This is how you see the world. This is how your grow."
If I could make a New Years resolution for the world, it would be to expose everyone to different ways of life, and help them connect and empathize with those who are different. By reading literature and viewing media made by and about people of different backgrounds, we can begin to get a clearer idea of the world around us. By hearing opinions that are different than our own, we can effectively see another side of the story. The challenging of what we know and grew up with might be uncomfortable, but growth and change are never comfortable. It may seem idealistic, but I am not suggesting that all walks of life have to agree. Instead, just the attempt to understand and coexist will make all the difference. Once we find common ground can we have peace on Earth. What better time to start than in a new year?