Protesting peacefully for human rights is where I am now... and feeling the good character of those surrounding us on the sidewalk with their funny & insightful signs, the non-stop happy horn honking and people smiling & waving out of cars passing by - knowing that we're doing it for those that can't. I have advised my minority friends and relatives (I have many) to avoid the protests entirely themselves, and that I have the privilege to protest FOR them. My feeling is that the militias just itching to create havoc and violence must know that attacking white grandparent types would be very bad optics for this regime, while cracking a few minority (and young) heads would probably be cheered by their base. So I will put myself and my old knees out there on the streets, and hope that we're doing some good. We have to save this country.
This is such an important question, especially for us as residents of the real world instead of participants in a contrived moral dilemma. And this isn’t the spot to talk about my own thinking and writing, but the question you raised was one that I muddled through for 7 years.
My simple answer, is that our behavior is of good character if it creates trust, rather than erode it.
Thank you for posting this, and creating the space to learn from others.
Love this, Leanne. I'd much rather hold on to good character in a country whose leaders are currently glorifying cruelty and greed than go along, but it sure is heartbreaking.
Protesting peacefully for human rights is where I am now... and feeling the good character of those surrounding us on the sidewalk with their funny & insightful signs, the non-stop happy horn honking and people smiling & waving out of cars passing by - knowing that we're doing it for those that can't. I have advised my minority friends and relatives (I have many) to avoid the protests entirely themselves, and that I have the privilege to protest FOR them. My feeling is that the militias just itching to create havoc and violence must know that attacking white grandparent types would be very bad optics for this regime, while cracking a few minority (and young) heads would probably be cheered by their base. So I will put myself and my old knees out there on the streets, and hope that we're doing some good. We have to save this country.
Great thoughts, Beth! Thank you for getting out there on behalf of others!
This is such an important question, especially for us as residents of the real world instead of participants in a contrived moral dilemma. And this isn’t the spot to talk about my own thinking and writing, but the question you raised was one that I muddled through for 7 years.
My simple answer, is that our behavior is of good character if it creates trust, rather than erode it.
Thank you for posting this, and creating the space to learn from others.
Enjoy The Good Place - “Oh fork!”
I like your simple answer because it works on a higher societal level-- not just person to person.
And haha-- I've been thinking "Oh fork!" all the time just because of that show!
Love this, Leanne. I'd much rather hold on to good character in a country whose leaders are currently glorifying cruelty and greed than go along, but it sure is heartbreaking.