When I think America, I think pride. But this past year has shown me that we have become far too negative, and that’s not something to be proud of. I used to feel lucky to live in this country, but recent events have proven me otherwise. Among those include the tragic shootings that occurred in Orlando and Dallas, the intense and more-often-than-not cruel arguments regarding the upcoming election, and the judgments we place on people on an everyday basis.
We hear it time and time again, “Treat others the way you want to be treated, regardless of race, skin, color, religion and so on.” We enforce this golden rule that no one seems to be remotely following and the words are just left lingering in the air. We criticize and judge and tear each other down, all for what? What’s the prize at the end of the road…is it power? Privilege? Glory? Is that worth the mistreatment of another human being? I’m not sure that’s the way to go about fulfilling this so-called “American Dream.” I thought the beauty of this country was to be unified by differences, not torn apart by them.
There’s a quote from the Dark Knight film that has resonated with me for a long time and it comes mind as I reflect on the topic at hand. A jarring statement made by Alfred Pennyworth, “Some men just want to watch the world burn.” The world sure is on fire these days. I mean yes, horrible things happen every day, but why should we wake up in the morning and expect those things to happen? To turn on the TV assuming that anchors will deliver unfortunate breaking news is not the right way to live. This world has brought forth too much violence and not enough kindness. Hate just adds fuel to the fire, and I’m not saying peace can be achieved overnight because it is a long and strenuous struggle that will persist for years to come. But in light of all the recent events across the world, it seems that reaching this objective is at a standstill and that is a clear sign that something needs to change.
In short, I think something we all lack is empathy and that isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something we obtain through experience and deepening our connection with others by listening to and understanding their experiences. So while the left wing argues with the right, the poor struggle to make ends meet, and those of different skin colors are in constant battle with each other. We should be trying to lift each other up, and in turn, lift the spirits of this country up, rather than spend our days with a hateful and negative attitude, because this land doesn’t seem free and we certainly aren’t as brave as we could be.
Power, privilege, glory. What about love, equality and respect? I think ultimately we can --and must -- find that sense of compassion within ourselves.
