There are a few events and situations that leave me exasperated at the moment. As a result, I feel angry at the response of the various authorities. So, I am following this quote and hoping for a better future.
“Be overcome by justice.” Oracle of Delphi
Number 1 on my list: George Floyd, a black but unarmed man, dying at the hands of a ruthless police officer despite desperate, whispered pleas. And protesters being arrested 🤔. USA based racism stemming from slavery and segregation and perpetuated by the current incumbent president, by non-intervention and reinforcing white superiority. Outrage doesn’t work, especially when faced with a narcissist or bigot, as the anger washes over them and past them without impact. So what could work? The US Constitution speaks of freedom of speech and the Bill of Rights includes this clause, which is particularly appropriate:
“Bill of Rights Amendment 4: Protection from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.”
Could we use ‘Flooding‘ in a similar way to treatment for phobias to lessen and ultimately mitigate systemic racism, originating from generations of prejudice. In a way, the aversion to coloured skin relates to the fear response. Fear of heights, fear of spiders, fear of black/asian/indigenous people… all result in extreme, irrational responses. Fight, flight or freeze. If policemen were exposed to a ‘flood’ of positive images, images that progressively reinforce positive black role models, would this dilute institutional racism? Would it prevent unfair punishment, stop horrific incidents resulting in death, reduce unfair imprisonment? Let’s hope so. And if there’s a public protest, where is the legal right to arrest those exercising their Freedom of Speech? At what level of violence and provocation does this kick in? And what happens if the violence is instigated by the very people the public are protesting about? Where’s justifiable force then?
Number 2: A world leader condoning the injection of disinfectant, causing a high likelihood of harm, and not being penalised. That same “leader” facing assault charges, and not being penalised. The US President being overtly racist towards immigrants and their descendants, and not being penalised. Where are these behaviours detailed in the Constitution of the United States?
What would the crazy solution be to these circumstances? To introduce the power of veto by select and diverse Members of Congress to any Tweet, press release or public speech (by diverse I’m including women, other races, diverse religions… if they are in fact present in Congress!). There should be freedom of speech, but shouldn’t the President and other world leaders have to adhere to a hipocratic oath similar to doctors worldwide, including ‘Do No Harm‘.
Number 3: A government representative not apologising for (let’s say) stretching the guidelines around Coronavirus and using his privileged status to justify his actions… while regular people have not visited their dying loved ones.
An apology in this situation is common courtesy, much like a Customer Service representative apologising to an angry client even when the complaint is misplaced. It calms the emotion around the issue. It allows people to feel heard. It’s just the polite and honourable thing to do. Simple.
Just a few crazy thoughts for the day! However, I’m feeling justified in my crazy perspectives since MPs have elected to queue up to a kilometre to vote, wasting masses of their time, instead of voting online. Bizarre decision. I post other ‘crazy ideas’ on my website: https://www.inventingchange.net/
Love Ruth x
Well Thought Through 