Can We Really Change Our World?
The short answer is, I don't think "we" can. It's possible, it just probably won't be this generation that does it.
I wasn't going to write today but, I would have had to write something explaining why I didn't write and that would have been dumb. Instead, I decided to throw my two cents in as to how we can maybe avoid more instances like those happening today. Our CEO, Bill Wilson, sent a message to all Townsquare Media employees in which he said:
The killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, as well as numerous killings of unarmed members of our communities over the past months and years, has resulted in the call for change and the call for tolerance and inclusion, by people of all skin colors and cultural backgrounds.
He's right, the key words being "tolerance and inclusion" for all. That's easier said than done though. So, how can we achieve this lofty goal? Destroying cities, blaming political parties, the "system" or certain occupations isn't going to do it. I think the answer lies in our kids, assuming, we "raise 'em right".
Kids today, not just here in our area but, everywhere, have experienced a major pandemic, mass shootings, rioting, natural disasters and ... basically ... martial law. With the exception of the coronavirus and the natural disasters; every problem mentioned has its roots in some form of racism. It's one thing to read about these things in history class, it's another to actually "live them". That simple fact makes the next generation of leaders infinitely more likely to actually change things.
Talk to them about this stuff now. Don't dodge it because you don't want to scare them or stress them out. Show them what's going on and explain things while also, honestly, answering their questions. Don’t shelter them from the truth, no matter how ugly, or uncomfortable it might be.
We're too far gone right now to expect a lot of change out of most adults over about 30 - 35. We believe what we believe and it's pretty much set in stone. Some will still learn and modify their behavior or thinking but, sadly, not many.
If we can get to the kids though, they will grow up and, when they enter the world and occupy positions of power and influence, will do so with the basic idea of keeping things fair and equal firmly in place. Then, we're on our way to the aforementioned tolerance and inclusion. It will take some time and we may see a few more incidents like those happening now along the way but, we'll get there. If we start really teaching, talking with and educating the youth now ... today ... they'll fix things for us.
Teach them right and teach them now. Today, more than at any other point in history, they are truly our only hope.