When anger isn't enough

To change the world, we need to go deeper

We think our work is to be informed, righteous and furious.

But that’s not enough if all it does is cut us off from people who are susceptible to rhetoric and ideologies of hate.

How does it help to dehumanize those who dehumanize others?

Doesn’t it feed their false narrative of otherness and persecution?
Doesn’t it feed our false narrative of otherness and superiority?

Though we seek to distance ourselves, to distinguish ourselves, what’s needed is for us to get in close.

No amount of righteous anger will convince or convert someone who is on the other side of an ideological divide. Our anger actually further isolates them, reinforcing their belief that we are the enemy, that we are a threat.

Those of us with white privilege and in relationship with those subscribing to ideologies of fear and hate have an opportunity.

To lead instead with love.
To withstand our own pain and shame and reach out.
To choose how we respond.
To ask questions and listen.
To help our loved ones to think for themselves.
To be safe people in the world.
To rehumanize ourselves and others.
To help all of us remember who we really are.

Our real work is not to shut down, but to break open. I’m starting a 6-week virtual course with a small group wherein we will start with ourselves:

• training to be present for whatever arises

• finding we can tolerate discomfort and pain

• learning to ask questions and listen deeply

• practicing kindness and compassion

• building community as we do this work

If you’re ready to begin, learn more here.