A society is a strange and fascinating entity. It is as alive as its occupants.
Along the lifespan of human beings, we begin as children well-adapted to voicing what we don't like. We instinctively know what we don't like and voice it loudly. But we don't always know what we want. We might be aware of what we like, but not necessarily what we want or need.
Growing up means interaction with adults and with those who have more experience. This is a crucial step to adulthood as we transition from childhood to the rough teenage years. The process from child to teenager is difficult and happens with adults coaching the child.
"I know you don't like that but what do you want?" This is a crucial question that helps a child dig deeper inside to find out what would be the solution to their predicament. Although we can't nor should negative events, that question leads to a personal quest leading to maturity.
Teenagers figure out what they don't like and what they like but still struggle with what they want. This is where our collective societies seem to be stuck. Somewhere along the lines of a transition from childhood: "We don't like that!" to adulthood: "We want this." The teenager is stuck in a: "I don't like that!" followed by kneejerk reactions. Teenagers jump to conclusions, don't dig deep enough, and reach for the low hanging fruits. It's a pretty dangerous situation and can be extremely volatile. They simply do not grasp the bigger picture. They cannot put the problems in perspective and isolate them.
It is sad to see that there is little talk about what led to our current situation. Racism is a problem, but it didn't evolve in a vacuum. It has its reasons and as long as we do not get to the root of it, we are agitated without results in sight. The aggravation builds after decades of many politicians "vowing" to right the wrongs without results.
It's important we transition to a healthy teenagerhood, of sorts, which will lead to a mature adult.
Today, most people I speak with are shy to give their point of view if it doesn't go along with the latest slogans. Yes, all lives matters but let's go about it in an intelligent and all-inclusive way. There is much to learn from this situation and we need to speak without fear of retaliation. We need to include all minorities still left behind.
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” — writer William Arthur Ward
