We see injustice everywhere. Our approach has been to identify the perpetrator whether an individual or an institution. Now we’ve created an opponent. Can we see that this attitude and approach of identifying an opponent feeds the polarization of our society by making constructive action and dialogue more elusive? Even fair-minded individuals who wish to put these injustices behind them are paralyzed and divided by their divergent views. We are unable to create the unity necessary for constructive change.
Protesting is an unimaginative and uncreative attempt at social change. It’s a statement of what is rejected and unacceptable. It alienates rather than attracts and only serves to deepen existing divisions. We want change but fail to recognize it is we, individually, who bear the responsibility. That is the cost if we value a just society.
I know a remarkable young couple. They “chose” to move into a low-income multi-ethnic neighborhood for the purpose of fostering justice and to address prejudice. They work with youth and adults incorporating qualities of virtue by their example and then by offering educational programs to the youth. This is what it will take. They are members of the Baha’i Faith.
