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I stumbled on this in a series of serendipidous interwebz clicks.
I opened up my Twitter the other day and witnessed a perfect example of putting the focus on the wrong aspect of what someone has said and assuming their intentions. Instead of being a conversation about why something was felt to be offensive, it became an attack with name-calling and everything.
I’ve read and heard things from people that fell under the category of “prejudiced/racist”, but instead of judging them and writing them off, I’ve tried to focus on the words they used, what those words convey as a message and that’s been the starting point of the bigger conversation. Sometimes you won’t be able to have the conversation with the interested party... but you gotta try.
Conversations... man, that’s sorely lacking in the world today.
Maybe this is the perfect day for me to start posting again, as I celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mr. Mandela's release from jail. Maybe I’ll get rid of the little voice in my head that keeps me from interacting and just share.
"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
- Nelson Mandela
- Nelson Mandela
15 comments:
Conversations truly are lacking...and it is sorrowful that they are.
The little voices in our heads are not always incorrect.
Nice to see you posting again hon, I hope it's the first of many.
that's a great video! he does a great job making it clear, in an entertaining way
love ya kiddo
Good to see you back, Ann, and I like that message: concentrate on what they DID and not on what they are. Hugs! :)
Bond, I'd rather tell the little voice to stuff it and try posting something than remain silent because I end up thinking what I wrote wasn't good enough.
I hope you had a chance to watch the video, it's really interesting.
Akelamalu, thank you for the warm welcome back and encouragement.
Hey Mamma! I really liked what he had to say.
Meri, thanks =)
I think that it's a great approach. HUGS
Awesome post...going to link to it if I may...
One of the downsides of this electronic life is that it is way too easy to hit and run, say something and then hide instead of looking people in the eye and talking it out....
Coop, feel free to! Seems the video is also making the rounds on FB as well. I just wish I remembered how I ended up finding it.
I've found it's quite common for people to just walk away and stop discussing.
Preaching, or sharing, it's good to see you posting again.
I'd prefer to see "racism" replaced by "prejudice", because I think some forms of prejudice (e.g. racism) are overemphasised at the expense of many others (e.g. prejudices about religion, sexual orientation, nationality), but the message of what you do vs who you are is spot on...
Brian, thank you =)
I agree that this approach is equally applicable to all forms of intolerance.
Woot! That was excellent! Loved the pickpocket analogy.
I wish I could write stuff like that. :)
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing it here. I really like the Nelson Mandela quotation you concluded with too. I'm glad you are letting your light shine. :-)
IG, you're a great writer, darlin'!
Daisy, glad you enjoyed it. I just hope I don't run out of power LOL
That was an excellent video.
A New Old Fairy Tale
Nessa, glad you enjoyed watching it. I'm going to keep an eye on what he has to say. I quite like him.
here from cooper's place and may i stand up and shout bravo! this guy hits the nail on the head and does so with excellent reasoning and clarity. thanks for sharing.
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