I read on Facebook about an incident at a football game in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. The incident was serious enough that it was poised to be a catalyst for racial division even among the staff in the schools. That’s when a hero emerged. A school administrator decided it was time to abandon debate and create the change they wanted to see. Students from the two schools on opposite sides of town were brought together to “demystify identity, break down stereotypes, and build relationships with one another.” They talked about what each school had heard about the other and then they began a dialogue about divisions, educational experiences and the similarities and differences each side saw.
The result has been that the students involved are investing in building a more equitable community and the teachers see this flowing out into their city. Two sides of an adversarial 
relationship got together and discussed what they thought and why they felt that way. They then talked about how they could bridge their differences. They didn’t argue about who was right and wrong. They found common ground, acknowledged their differences and tried to understand each other’s perspectives. I think they may be on to something here.
What if we sought to promote more equitable communities? Instead of ranting and pontificating when we come across points of view that are different from our own; what if we tried to find out what is behind other points of view. When did our adversaries begin thinking the way they do and why do they believe that? How do they think people who disagree with them feel? Are we prepared to discuss why we feel the way we do?
Going off on social media or having conversations with like minded friends is beneficial maybe only to blow off a little steam. It does nothing to bring about the better world all of us hope for. Call me an idiot, stupid, or brainwashed and I will likely tune you out. Call me Chris and I’ll try to hear what you have to say. From whichever side you want to say you’re from, we can no longer wait until the other side takes the first step. One thing everyone agreed upon during the recent Alabama Senate race was that our divisions are unbearable.
One side of the country complains about Soros owned politicians and feels like the opportunity to raise their financial status is being taken away. They seem to blame immigrants and minorities, gays and Muslims, anybody different, for their lot in life. The other half of the country believes corporations and billionaires are crushing the poor and middle class and the Koch brother owned politicians are to blame. They feel like the opportunity to raise their financial status is being taken away. They blame corporate greed and institutionalized oppression for their lot in life.
The fact is most Americans feel like the opportunity to raise their financial status is being taken away. Our discontent is the same. Only where we find fault is different. Is finding fault going to fix our problems? Can we all agree most Americans are facing the same challenges? We talk about doubting that things will ever get better. They won’t. Things won’t get better unless we follow the example of those kids from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and start talking about how we can bridge our differences and start acting like the change we want to see.
stretching and exercise so does the search for my best path forward. I’ve started by talking more with friends. I have also started to go back to church. Some things are just so beyond me that I have to trust a higher power will handle them for me. I’m reading more. I want to be sure that much of what bothers me merits my outrage. Most does. Somehow focusing on the issue itself is better for taking action than responding to provocative memes. Later today my family is getting together to head into DC to attend an “Islam: Then and Now” panel discussion. I’m watching more documentaries and I’m here, writing more to consolidate my thoughts. Stretching and exercising.
Red Hog Diary 