What I’d love to talk about (the sweet spot)
I’d love to share stories about the flourishing of earth and humanity. Stories of how humans look after earth and each other.
And actually, I came across one yesterday – the story of intergenerational care – bringing aged care and child care together, benefiting both. I couldn’t find the original story that alerted me to it, but these stories at the ABC, Griffith University News, and The Conversation introduce the idea.
Also, I found the ABC has a section on “Good News” on its website.
What I am going to talk about (polarisation)
Back to the current situation in the United States.
Looking at the popular vote, 81,274,778 people voted for Joe Biden, 74,224,501 voted for Donald Trump (source: US Election Atlas). Out of a total of 158,542,513 votes cast, that gives 51% to Joe Biden and 49% to Donald Trump (rounded figures).
It just seems like one more example of the polarisation experienced in different societies. Another example, in the UK, was the Brexit vote (52% vote to leave the EU, 48% vote to remain).
Why is that? Why are societies so polarised? It seems like we look at reality from different perspectives.
Using the United States example, one “side” believes that Donald Trump won. Why is that important? In his second-last tweet before Twitter suspended his account, he made a really important statement that speaks to motivation of those who “follow” him:
The “other side” believes that Joe Biden won. Why is this important to them?
Might they also believe they have been disrespected, or treated unfairly?
I believe before we can get to justice and truth, and agree on what is reality, it is important to see each other’s humanity.
It begins with respect and fairness. Not just for “my own”, but “for all”.