Ugh.
I need a moment to rant.
Can people just express themselves without needing to paint everyone with the same brush?
For what it’s worth, I happen to be a US citizen—because that’s where I landed in space and time—and there are times when I definitely don’t agree with everything the government does, or has done over time, or will do. Sometimes I agree, other times I don’t, and still other times I absolutely don’t, didn’t, can’t, and won’t. And, usually in the course of conversations, I find that people will try to suss out my feelings on the government before assuming they know what I think. They understand that people in power, even when put in power through lawful means, might or might not have the support of everyone under their jurisdiction.
So, then, why don’t people afford citizens of other nations, or groups within a nation, within any nation—this nation, that nation, doesn’t matter which one—why don’t people afford other humans, period, the same courtesy? Ugh. Last I checked I’m human. Full stop.
Loud mouths and deep pockets don’t speak for everyone. And abuse of power happens and can happen on every level.
Here’s my take: if you’re hurting at the hands of someone trying to exert more power over you than you’re comfortable with, I care and want you to be free to be yourself and determine your own destiny. Full effing stop. And that means free to determine your own self and your own destiny. Not my self. Not her self. Not their self or selves. You don’t get to choose what I do or where I exist or if I exist.
And, I must give you that same grace too, because it’s the way of the web of life, the way of balance and reciprocity and—dare I say—the way of respect. If you want to live where you only interact with others exactly like you, doing exactly what you want them to do, I’m happy to help you build you a box with a full interior wall of mirrored glass or polished metal (or crinkled tinfoil; really, whatever works) for your reflecting pleasure. Otherwise leave me and mine—and them and theirs—alone! We are all sovereign beings.
I’m mostly talking about two-leggeds here, but sovereignty isn’t species-specific. Life is a gift. The plants and animals and stones and waters and fires that nourish us and keep us warm and sheltered are sovereign beings too and also demand our respect. When we forget this, they remind us, and they will keep reminding us until we get it.
/rant
Featured image by Chris Sabor on Unsplash
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