A Few Thoughts After the 'Incident' Regarding Kindness

I suppose conflict resolution would have been the matter of the day when discussing the nature of kindness. However, days after the notion of kindness was rejected, it did not escape my attention the amazement of the lack of recognizance when it comes to being good to other people. What is so hard about showing and discussing the notion of being good to others? It doesn't have to do with just "doing it" as the criticisms were levied. It also has to do with discussing it, dealing with it and of course being able to rationalize how we can be better to others--especially after 9/11.

What has been taught after 9/11 is the fact that people are focusing inward instead of globally. The sad part of the residue that had occurred after the event is it is encouraged to only "look after ourselves" and neglect others around us due to the aspect of fear. The problem with this notion is that fear has been guiding us in terms of displaying kindness and compassion toward others. It still resonates even after five years that empathy toward others gives way to vunerability. Even now, there are not any national leaders who will rationalize our feelings in society; instead, further emphasis has been put toward dealing with how we can close off our borders and of course, how to shut ourselves off from the rest of the world.

One only wonders if that could be the "right thing" in a world that is increasingly being bridged toward being one that embraces the world stage. Instead, of hiding in the midst of the proverbial turtle shell, it is best that we stick our heads out and try to learn from others in order to get a better grasp of how we individually feel about the past events that have painted our attitudes in regards to society and the world.

A lot of lip service has been paid to the 300 million souls that now populate America. The broadcast news has especially made this milestone one of ominousness when describing it instead of wonder. Some news items have played up the notion of "cultural change" as a form of "invasion" especially on what has been perceived as "United States ideals". The thing about this idea being covered in the news is the fact that negativities concerning our cultural differences is seen as par for the course instead of uncovering and researching the notion of diversity. The news material dealt with diversity as a notion of "absence" as being "positive". Anything that tends to show up as "different" is seen as a threat to the isolationist attitude that is taking over America at this point.

Is this the only way to discuss cultural diversity and how to deal with it? Is it hard to see it any other way? There are some of us who find offense with the "absence" of difference because this understanding and further repetition of these ideals "erases" our cultures and social practices. The question that needs to be asked is what is to be done with us when titles blare out "Melting Pot or Meltdown" at us at every corner instead of celebrating what makes each culture unique and integral in the make up of nation.

One could only shake one's head at the fear-mongering that continues to be par for the course in today's society.