A lack of understanding

I would like to be sparklingly happy. The gardens are growing, the neighbours are crowing and the world is bedding on down. The smartest, most wonderful idea just leapt into my head while scanning the world wide internet. Can I do something about it? It does seem that best thing for those less satisfied with their lot, is to relocate their lot, leave their lot, or stay within their lot and change it.

Sadly here in the beachside paradise, a phrase that many folk describe my current location, things are pretty crook. The self claimed vocal majority of the local population seems hellbent on wasting away any common decency while thumping their chest against a number of issues.

Namely things that frighten them, things they don’t understand (nor want to) and things they believe by believing what the Australian media tells them to believe. Bigotry, hatred, ignorance and intolerance, unfortunately the general population seems to be grabbing these less than endearing personality traits with both hands. Embracing them at an alarming rate.

So this happens every once and while and sadly we’re in that while now. Angry shots aimed at those folks that aren’t readily understood, vastly different or just plain not us. The us is the key – who is the us. Well the us is made up of all of them. I’m not on this planet alone and certainly I’m not the same as any other person riding the planet about. I’m like most everyone else, in that I’m unique.

They are as well.

Only some, who are unfortunately growing in numbers and political influence, want to be the same and they seem to like it that way. In fact, it seems that this lot want to be the same so badly that rally against those in a different category. Demanding they change or leave if they resist being the same.

That ridiculous claim that something (or someone) is un-Australian, or un-American just wrangles my loose bits. What does that nonsense actual mean? How can something be defined so clearly other than it being your place of birth. The place does not make the man or women past being born. The local village, society, social interaction, nurture and nature determine their uniqueness. Not some ranting nong from the radio, Tv or pulpit. Or indeed from the mob who swan about within the rantings of these nongs.

So what to do?

Is there anything that can be done. Not by me it seems. If I was to publicly air my views to social connections and work colleagues, it would surely end in tears. Tears and angst that don’t deserve to be triggered. The only hope for society is for the majority (if that’s the case) to learn and understand the differences and embrace the unique.

The chance of that happening doesn’t seem likely when I read, watch and hear the vitriol aimed at rallying the “same”. The same as others who are the same receive warm confirmation of their ignorant views and it is sadly self perpetuating.

Those who are tolerant and inclusive also receive solace, but from limited resources and enjoy the glow they receive from their own confirmation. The trouble as i see it, is that there are far too few seeking and enjoying the latter.

Who can claim the higher moral ground. Understanding is called for, but called by who, who for … ?