Let’s say you woke up one day to a new reality. Millions of people feel strongly about it and the sentiment is basically split right down the middle. Some devastated. Others ecstatic. I know and love people in both camps.
I live in Canada. Born here to American parents and spent my formative years in various US States before I moved back to Canada during university.
Thus, I have a split identity as an CanAmerican. I’m also hyper-aware that, while there are so many similarities between the cultures of these two countries, there really is no way to live in Canada and pretend you know what it’s like to live in the US.
I have ideas, feelings and judgements of my own on the topic, but those aren’t particularly useful now, except that they cross both sides of the aisle. And I don’t think I’m the only one out there who would say that.
I mostly feel curious.
More than 50% of 300+ million people created this new reality.
The sheer numbers tell me this group represents all kinds of people, not just a select few.
They have families, hopes and dreams.
Fears and worries.
Just like me.
And that makes me curious.
And with it, feeling like I don’t have to pick sides, I just get to seek a better understanding of all things. And with that…there’s progress.
It is possible to come at things from the exact opposite position and still seek understanding.
It reminds of the work of Daryl Davis, a Black musician, author and anti-racism activist. Davis began meeting with KKK members in 1983, asking them, “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?” Through respectful dialogue and genuine friendship, he helped convince over 200 Klan members to leave the organization.
Davis said, “When two enemies are talking, they’re not fighting.”
Maybe curiosity is the answer.
Have a beautiful day living in the free world, with access to education, paved roads, garbage services and politicians who, whether we like it or not, are supporting all of this.
