Great discussion you have going here, Michael. I'm not up to formulating a very clear or complete response, but I'd like to say a little. I think you're on the right track and that there is a bridge between what you are saying and what others are bringing up. Short examples.. As you said, if we are the target of racism, or whatever, we ultimately choose our response, not initially perhaps, but we have that power within us. Now in terms of responding to its use in the world, we do, imo, have a responsibility to respond. It is how we respond that we can work on. Do we respond to nastiness with the same? Or anger with the same, even if inside we feel it? Or sarcasm with sarcasm? It goes on. Martin Luther King is an example of someone who *responded* but he did so in keeping with his beliefs and his heart. Violence and hatred were responded to with non-violence and love. But there was great strength is his response.
I know I'm rambling a bit, or a lot. But that's cool. You've hit on one of my favorite topics, and fields of endeavor. Thanks. It's been a long time since I even tried to put it into words that it is difficult. I've really enjoyed your posts. |
