Wouldn’t We Be Done Already If The Same Old Solutions For The Same Old Problems Really Worked

Why have millenniums of protests of every kind and size produced no lasting results? And why do people keep using the same faulty methods over and over again thinking that they’ll work this time?

If lasting and permanent change could be achieved by protests, riots, and violence, that in a lot of cases are acts of injustice themselves, mankind would surely have had these problems solved by now.

Let me make it clear that this is just my personal opinion.

I’m not the smartest bird on the wire, but I’m not the dumbest either. I can clearly see the deep roots of injustice in all aspects of society that are responsible for the desperation, frustration, and hopelessness that drives the desire for change — no matter the cost.

But the stark reality is that the methods used to relieve injustice don’t work. They didn’t work in the past, they’re not working now, and they won’t work in the future. All these strategies are like putting a few bandaids on a critically injured abuse victim and pronouncing him cured.

It’s obvious to me that something vital is missing, overlooked, or ignored.

Simply put, injustice is a condition of the heart, conscience, and attitude. Justice cannot be legislated or forced into any of those things. It's a personal responsibility of every cognizant individual to do that for themselves.

And if we take off our rose-colored glasses, we can see the diseased state into which the morality of mankind has sunk. It’s so bad, in fact, that the word ‘terminal’ seems to apply.

Choosing sides

“To be nobody but yourself in a world doing its best to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human can ever fight and never stop fighting.” — E. E. Cummings

When I look at the world around me and give thoughtful consideration to the opposing political and social views projected as solutions for what ails society, I shudder. If I were to choose sides, I'd be compromising by simply choosing the best of the worst options.

Have you ever been harassed because you refused to take sides on an issue that other people were passionate about? Have you been called cowardly, weak, or just plain stupid for sticking to your principles? I have — and it’s not a pleasant situation.

There are actually three sides to every issue

In actuality, all three sides share some of the same characteristics. Their views stem from their personal convictions, faith, beliefs, and experiences. And all three sides want their views to be respected.

It’s the third option, however, that requires the most courage to maintain. Why?

If I were in either of the first two groups, for or against a certain issue, I would be facing only one opposing side. But, when I choose to take the neutral stance on the same issue, I’m now facing both opposing sides — double the trouble.

Conformity is a strong pressure

Being separate or different when others are adamant in their choices is to take the path with the most resistance. I, like everyone else, like to blend and mix well with those around me whenever possible. Who doesn’t want to be liked and accepted as part of a community?

But if being accepted means ditching my principles and faking a response just to please others, it’s not worth the price.

Understanding motivation can help you stay balanced

When making my decision to stay neutral on an issue, I also try to understand the motivation moving the actions of those who are divided over the issue. This helps me keep a balanced perspective and a non-judgmental attitude toward them. Respecting the right of others to disagree is crucial to maintaining peace and, in my opinion, self-respect.

Takeaway

“The person who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever seen before.” — Albert Einstein

Why keep repeating old mistakes? Wouldn't it be better to scout new paths to broader and more spacious vistas of understanding and action?

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Originally published here

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