In a nation where some people put greater value on the lives
of pets than that of humans, it is time to rethink what it means to be humane
to another human being. While I agree, it is inhumane to abuse animals. Our
society, however, has become a travesty because of the insensitive attitude
towards one another. Some of us seem to be less concerned about abuse to
humans. And this is a violation of our human right to be emotionally safe.
We the people believe we are protected because we have a
military, police force and a prison system. Yet, there is no code of ethics
when it comes to the
emotional abuses human beings experience from one another. Those abuses include and are not limited to invalidation, blaming, proving someone wrong, justifying inappropriate behavior and dong our best to dominate another. Even those who perpetuate being the victim without taking responsibility or those who constantly play the infamous devil’s advocate are included in the list of offenders.
emotional abuses human beings experience from one another. Those abuses include and are not limited to invalidation, blaming, proving someone wrong, justifying inappropriate behavior and dong our best to dominate another. Even those who perpetuate being the victim without taking responsibility or those who constantly play the infamous devil’s advocate are included in the list of offenders.
From an intimate perspective, when lack the skills get in
the way of matrimony, we think divorce is the solution. The divorce process
ranks as one of the most inhumane activities a person can experience. And we
drag our children through it as though they should get over it. Unfortunately,
they never do.
In addition, parents, teachers and the youth emotionally and
physically abuse our children. Furthermore, those same children are exposed to
verbal and physical violence in the media as well as their communities. What do
we do as adults? We look the other way. We are more easily disturbed
emotionally when we see abuse towards animals.
We have become desensitized about mistreatment towards human
beings. Unfortunately, our children have also become emotionally indifferent
about violence. Apathy towards violence is part of the culture of being a child
in the US. Therefore, there should be no surprise when our youth open fire with
a violent rage towards other children.
This dilemma of violence has become the responsibility of
the nation, not the parents of so-called bad children. Children only imitate
adults. For example, every time you get into your car and demonstrate road
rage, you contribute to the desensitization of violence. The same happens when
you emotionally abuse your child or significant other.
Emotional abuse has become so pervasive that people have
come to believe that it is part of being human. We manipulate one another in
business, family and love affairs. While it seems we are winning, we are
pushing societal values down one more notch.
Worse yet, we admire and reward the harsh manager who is
verbally abusive to his subordinates. We call him a tough and successful
businessman. The fact we continue to reward this attitude in business
exacerbates the situation. We never look at the cost. When we do pay a price
for this delinquent adult behavior, it shows up in our children. And as we deny
our contribution to the bad behavior of children, we blame it on gun control
and politics.
If you observe closely, you will see that guns don’t
kill. People do. If you examine
why people kill, you will find that the culture of what it means to be a human
being allows anger to be expressed through guns. Adults legalize killing by
calling it war or law enforcement.
Until every adult on the planet has had enough of the
violence in any form, it will continue. Perhaps it will stop when the children
turn against us in devastating masses.
If you truly want to redefine human rights and stop the violence, stop it in your own home.
Be more humane towards your significant other. Eliminate manipulation from your
mind. Stop the road rage. Turn the television off for a week or month. Engage
your family in activities that empower everyone and make you closer. Take a
walk together. Make sure the family eats together. Get to know one another
everyday, not when something is wrong.
There are an infinite number of activities you can do with
your close ones that can serve as new experiences or learning opportunities.
The choice is yours.
How will you contribute to eliminating violence in your
community?
For tips on being more humane, see my previous post called: What
the World Needs Now… http://is.gd/BqOgD2
What do you think? I’m open to ideas. Or if you want to
write me about a specific topic, let me know.
The most profound change a person can make is self. If I reflect the attributes of compassion, kindness, and Respect for life on a daily basis I have become humane. This is how to make a change the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Being more humane to oneself is critical. Therefore, compassion, kindness and respect for self has to exist. At the same time, since people do not live in caves, the most profound change one makes in self occurs in the presence of others. It is less powerful when people just want to be a better self. It is more effective when people transform themselves in a way that makes others better. In that way of thinking, compassion can seem kind of ruthless, especially when you see others better than they see themselves. It is powerful to expect the best from others. When they fall short, help them get their instead of walking away.
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