Ignorant or Evil?
Did you catch the latest Black Mirror season? To me, this is one of the best seasons at exploring not only technology, but human nature. One standout episode is Plaything where a 1990’s simulation game advances far beyond humans not only in technology, but in empathy. (Spoiler) After watching, my husband and I debated as to whether the Throngs helped evolve the human race or if they erased humanity. My honest reaction was that either option would work.
Whenever I write an article, I do my best to be positive and helpful. However lately, I have had a hard time giving myself that same positivity and encouragement. I feel I “should” have patience and acceptance of others. And yet, there is so much hatred, fear, and needless human conflict that it is hard to hold on to hope. I write today therefore to not only help you, but to hopefully provide some comfort and encouragement to myself by remembering that we can reclaim the good of humanity.
Over the years I have learned to limit my news consumption and to filter out bias and fearmongering. To help me stay centered, I currently subscribe to Ground News and spend 90% of my time there just reading the headlines, because getting into the details of human conflict makes me spiritually and physically ill. I truly believe we can live in a peaceful loving world and don’t understand why we are choosing pain and hate.
For instance, I read an article on how the current administration’s focus on removing all things related to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) has resulted in removing funding for female-related illnesses, or in actuality any research not focused on straight white males. I refuse to believe that people are so evil they would purposefully ignore more than half the population and make decisions resulting in more disease and death. My hope then is that people are just ignorant of their actions.
Whether others are ignorant or evil, what I have learned over the years is what I can affect and what I can not.
We can only focus on and improve ourselves. It is easy to look at what others are doing or what others need. Realistically though we can and should only change ourselves and our lives.
We can take action. Any action in the right direction helps. Don’t be overwhelmed by all that needs to be done or by what you can not affect. Make choices in every moment that help you and those you love.
We can provide compassion – with firm boundaries. Compassion and empathy are some of the most peaceful tools available to us. AND it is important to remember that we need to have compassion for ourselves as well, which means we need to have firm boundaries.
We can choose to focus our minds and actions on peace and love, which is what writing this article has helped me do.
Thank you so much for letting me share these reminders of how I strive to live. I feel more hopeful and more at peace. I truly hope you do as well.
