In the last 18 months, I've been writing a lot - mostly around this theme. Here's a snippet aligned with what you, Marianne, are expressing.
"Dehumanization
"The dehumanizing of those who disagree with us, through use of name-calling, judging, or otherwise labeling, is the precursor to entering into this slave-like trance of life-alienating communication. Sadly, this form of communication has become especially prevalent in social media commentary, leading to a toxicity online that most everyone has experienced at one point or another. The object of disdain is too White or too Black, too rich or too poor, too Christian or too non-Christian, etc.
"It is painfully common for conservatives to attack liberals as libertards and the other all-to-familiar pejoratives. This does nothing to create connection. It only keeps us down, while the abusive power structures which we all are made to endure continue to accumulate power and control. Similarly, the common name-calling attacks of liberals against conservatives, which start with racist and run the gamut of stereotyped enemy images, do nothing to support seeing our shared underlying humanity. They breed only contempt among people who would otherwise be naturally motivated to work toward the same basic values.
"We all want safety, security, a sense of belonging, a healthy planet, health for ourselves and those we love, clean water, the freedom to be ourselves, truth, justice, fairness, and so much more. And yet with all this name calling, judging, labeling, criticizing, blaming, and shaming, we are infighting as opposed to devoting our precious time and energy to collaborating on solutions that could work for everyone.
"Rehumanization
The only way to mend our social fabric is to return to what connects us all—what makes us all human. This can be accomplished through empathic dialogue. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) teaches that we all have the same range of feelings, and we all share the same universal needs (which could also be called heart-centered values). Where we differ is in the strategies, we use to meet those needs. Our highest work is to begin considering the needs of others, even our adversaries, and to ensure that we don’t harm others in our attempts to get what matters to us.
"We all have the same range of feelings, and we all share the same universal needs. Where we differ is in the strategies we use to meet those needs. As basic as this is, empathic dialogue is the cornerstone, and the build¬ing blocks, for reconnection, healing, and harmony.
“'The only way you can hate people is not to know them and not to see them as human. Empathy is everything.' (~ my friend Laura)"
It seems both empathy and compassion are essential but worthless if not applied by right action. That seems to be the major hurdle caused by fear of the other or retribution. Our minds must grasp what truly brings meaning into our lives.
It's Trump's demonization of everyone who doesn't support him that's beyond shocking. I don't think there's ever has been a political candidate who has spewed out the likes of lyin' Kamala Harris, crazy Kamala, a lunatic with a low IQ, a horror show, she'll destroy our country, a low IQ individual, on and on. Republicans going so low screams to be called out, but do you see parallels coming from Democrats?
We are in such a state of flux and I hope we can keep it together during this shifting time. Toning down the hate will go a long way in helping and the language used by those in positions of influence will be a factor. From my perspective the language used by the candidate inciting the hate, Trump, is a turn-off for the majority of the population. Or at least I hope no one is drawn to him as a new supporter at this point. As you said many times, Marianne, more people love than hate and we need to love with conviction. I have found in conversations with his supporters that they want to end the corruption as much as anyone and very few of those I've met approve of his rhetoric. I am trying to remain optimistic that cooler heads will prevail and we can find common ground with others regardless of their politics.
Unfortunately for me I never grew up in a loving nurturing home, and i envy those who did, because it’s true that children who aren’t nurtured turn into mostly adults who don’t know how to.
So, years later, I’m now in my 60’s, and with much heart ache and loss through mostly self sabotaging behaviour I’ve come to realise that what you’ve said is the only way we can effect change.
The blame game and the toxic culture we are now living in is both detrimental to our personal lives as well as our collective ones. Your teachings were part of my journey and I’m forever grateful 🙏
En mi país, el discurso de odio se ha instalado con mucha fuerza. Se denigra cualquier pensamiento alternativo al discurso oficial. Lo más dramático es que el discurso de odio es alimentado desde la cúpula del poder político. Alguien que piensa diferente o defiende derechos de las minorías es interpelado con calificativos discriminatorios. Cabe con urgencia recordar que el uso de lenguaje violento constituye siempre el anticipo de prácticas políticas violentas.
Again I so appreciate all that you say. I was verbally and harshly attacked yesterday by a dear friend of some 35 years, when I didn’t agree with her opinion about the DNC. I was very even keeled, but she just lashed out at me. She is very spiritual and who I would call my tai chi sister. How can that happen between such close and long time friends? We got through it to the other side and she was able to take responsibility for what she had done. Exactly what she blames “the other side “ for doing! Apologizing does not just make the impact of that harsh energy evaporate. God Bless you Marianne 💜🙏🏻
The world has a economic monopoly ( central bankster$) they choose the President of their corporate nation State.
Even the worst case synario ... America has survived Trump( Kamala/ Nixon/ CIA Kennedy covert Vietnam warmonger types) before, negativity isnt going to spread love and the truth .
Its a good time for dogma was seen for what it is and so dissolve
For us to flourish( or even survive) the political Identity system must be seen, any form of Us vs Them or conceptual separation is false.
Patriotism(" pride" and identifying as a nation State) is political dogma used for wars.
Yes - so true.
In the last 18 months, I've been writing a lot - mostly around this theme. Here's a snippet aligned with what you, Marianne, are expressing.
"Dehumanization
"The dehumanizing of those who disagree with us, through use of name-calling, judging, or otherwise labeling, is the precursor to entering into this slave-like trance of life-alienating communication. Sadly, this form of communication has become especially prevalent in social media commentary, leading to a toxicity online that most everyone has experienced at one point or another. The object of disdain is too White or too Black, too rich or too poor, too Christian or too non-Christian, etc.
"It is painfully common for conservatives to attack liberals as libertards and the other all-to-familiar pejoratives. This does nothing to create connection. It only keeps us down, while the abusive power structures which we all are made to endure continue to accumulate power and control. Similarly, the common name-calling attacks of liberals against conservatives, which start with racist and run the gamut of stereotyped enemy images, do nothing to support seeing our shared underlying humanity. They breed only contempt among people who would otherwise be naturally motivated to work toward the same basic values.
"We all want safety, security, a sense of belonging, a healthy planet, health for ourselves and those we love, clean water, the freedom to be ourselves, truth, justice, fairness, and so much more. And yet with all this name calling, judging, labeling, criticizing, blaming, and shaming, we are infighting as opposed to devoting our precious time and energy to collaborating on solutions that could work for everyone.
"Rehumanization
The only way to mend our social fabric is to return to what connects us all—what makes us all human. This can be accomplished through empathic dialogue. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) teaches that we all have the same range of feelings, and we all share the same universal needs (which could also be called heart-centered values). Where we differ is in the strategies, we use to meet those needs. Our highest work is to begin considering the needs of others, even our adversaries, and to ensure that we don’t harm others in our attempts to get what matters to us.
"We all have the same range of feelings, and we all share the same universal needs. Where we differ is in the strategies we use to meet those needs. As basic as this is, empathic dialogue is the cornerstone, and the build¬ing blocks, for reconnection, healing, and harmony.
“'The only way you can hate people is not to know them and not to see them as human. Empathy is everything.' (~ my friend Laura)"
It seems both empathy and compassion are essential but worthless if not applied by right action. That seems to be the major hurdle caused by fear of the other or retribution. Our minds must grasp what truly brings meaning into our lives.
I love this! SO true
It's Trump's demonization of everyone who doesn't support him that's beyond shocking. I don't think there's ever has been a political candidate who has spewed out the likes of lyin' Kamala Harris, crazy Kamala, a lunatic with a low IQ, a horror show, she'll destroy our country, a low IQ individual, on and on. Republicans going so low screams to be called out, but do you see parallels coming from Democrats?
We are in such a state of flux and I hope we can keep it together during this shifting time. Toning down the hate will go a long way in helping and the language used by those in positions of influence will be a factor. From my perspective the language used by the candidate inciting the hate, Trump, is a turn-off for the majority of the population. Or at least I hope no one is drawn to him as a new supporter at this point. As you said many times, Marianne, more people love than hate and we need to love with conviction. I have found in conversations with his supporters that they want to end the corruption as much as anyone and very few of those I've met approve of his rhetoric. I am trying to remain optimistic that cooler heads will prevail and we can find common ground with others regardless of their politics.
Unfortunately for me I never grew up in a loving nurturing home, and i envy those who did, because it’s true that children who aren’t nurtured turn into mostly adults who don’t know how to.
So, years later, I’m now in my 60’s, and with much heart ache and loss through mostly self sabotaging behaviour I’ve come to realise that what you’ve said is the only way we can effect change.
The blame game and the toxic culture we are now living in is both detrimental to our personal lives as well as our collective ones. Your teachings were part of my journey and I’m forever grateful 🙏
En mi país, el discurso de odio se ha instalado con mucha fuerza. Se denigra cualquier pensamiento alternativo al discurso oficial. Lo más dramático es que el discurso de odio es alimentado desde la cúpula del poder político. Alguien que piensa diferente o defiende derechos de las minorías es interpelado con calificativos discriminatorios. Cabe con urgencia recordar que el uso de lenguaje violento constituye siempre el anticipo de prácticas políticas violentas.
This is so very helpful- Thank you and blessings on us all to keep our hearts open.
"BE the change we want to see in the world" hey?
Again I so appreciate all that you say. I was verbally and harshly attacked yesterday by a dear friend of some 35 years, when I didn’t agree with her opinion about the DNC. I was very even keeled, but she just lashed out at me. She is very spiritual and who I would call my tai chi sister. How can that happen between such close and long time friends? We got through it to the other side and she was able to take responsibility for what she had done. Exactly what she blames “the other side “ for doing! Apologizing does not just make the impact of that harsh energy evaporate. God Bless you Marianne 💜🙏🏻
What was her position?
Its never been for essential to be who we are.
To switch paradigms from fear to love.
The world has a economic monopoly ( central bankster$) they choose the President of their corporate nation State.
Even the worst case synario ... America has survived Trump( Kamala/ Nixon/ CIA Kennedy covert Vietnam warmonger types) before, negativity isnt going to spread love and the truth .
Its a good time for dogma was seen for what it is and so dissolve
For us to flourish( or even survive) the political Identity system must be seen, any form of Us vs Them or conceptual separation is false.
Patriotism(" pride" and identifying as a nation State) is political dogma used for wars.
We are Love, any lessor identification is false.
Peace and Love
That were good 👍
That's exactly what Kamala is on about.
Well said Marianne
It's not a human problem it's a spiritual problem.
❤️❤️❤️🌹
Thank you Marianne
Amen. 🙏🏻