i see you, roger
Caveat #1: I write this post with as much humility as I can possibly express. I am going to utilize an example from personal experience to make a point, not to put myself on a pedestal. I hope the reader will understand that I have a lot of climbing before me to reach "ground level" as a human, let alone any kind of podium.
I am discouraged about the ease with which our society demonizes, vilifies, and dehumanizes others. We don't seem to see or hear individual people anymore.
Us. Them. Those people. My party. Not my party. My country. Not my country.
Perhaps, our lack of "awareness" is because we spend less time interacting with others in person. Instead, choosing to scroll social media, binge watch Netflix, or write blog posts. In fairness to those who partake in those activities (remember caveat #1), I'm not sure how society would function without us expressing our righteous anger on X, or TikTok, or our blog.
And, if we do interact with others, it might be that we are limiting our interactions to those who share similar ideas, attitudes, culture, and opinions. I like my silo as much as the next person.
What I know for certain, is that I am tired of the dehumanizing.
Caveat #2: I DO believe there is evil and injustice in the world. I DO believe we have an obligation to speak out against evil and injustice. I am NOT equating dehumanization with speaking out against evil and injustice.
Here is the thing. We can't wait for the next election, better leaders, a shift in the political winds, social media, or a blog post to turn the tide. I'm not saying those things make no difference, but I feel relatively confident in saying they are not "the fix." If we don't want people to be dehumanized, we have to start treating everyone with the dignity that every human deserves.
A quick example (caveat #1). This past weekend, my adult daughter and I were talking about a homeless gentleman that has appeared in our neighborhood from time to time. She was asking if I had seen him recently, which I had. We talked about our concern for him as the countdown to the oppressively hot Phoenix summer is underway (in addition to being undomiciled, this man displays some compulsive behaviors and is quite disheveled).
As luck would have it, on Tuesday I was walking my dog (Cubby) and here was this gentleman shuffling toward us on the sidewalk. I stepped to the side to create a clear path (Cubby is not mean, but also not social). Without much thought, I gestured for the man to stop, and he did. I introduced myself, and asked him his name. Roger. His name is Roger. Not "the homeless guy in our neighborhood." I shook his hand, asked if I could give him the very few dollars I had in my wallet, and wished him a good day. He returned the wish and we parted ways. Cubby remained amazingly calm and well-behaved. He is a good judge of character.
So now I am armed with a name and I am determined to recognize Roger's humanity with every opportunity I am given. A smile. A greeting. A handshake. An ice cold drink. A conversation, if he is willing.
Yes, Roger, I see you. You matter.
When I think about these issues, I am reminded of the words of Father Greg Boyle, from his book, Tattoos on the Heart (an incredible book...I recommend the audio version).
The wrong idea has taken root in the world. And the idea is this: there just might be lives out there that matter less than other lives.
There are NOT lives that matter less.
May we stop dehumanizing.
May we see and hear each other.
May I start today.
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