Human To Human
We live in divisive times. It seems everybody's identity is tied up in particular traits about themselves; their skin color, their gender, their gender preference, their age, their political party, their sexual orientation and the list goes on.
It's common to hear people discussed based on these characteristics, both positively and negatively. Decisions are made based on these characteristics. Job positions, school placements, grants and scholarships are handed out based on these characteristics.
Some people claim they don't see these characteristics, and some people accuse others of holding them against people. It seems today that these are all we know about each other.
The truth is, we do see these things. How can we not? The truth also is that some people do make judgements based on them. If we are being honest, it still happens too much, and in all directions.
The truth really is that making assumptions regarding a person's character based on such superfluous factors does a disservice, not only to them, but to ourselves. Skin color does not reflect work ethic. Sexual orientation does not reflect integrity. Age does not reflect vitality. Gender does not reflect professionalism.
The things we should actually use when sizing up a person are not obvious at first glance and first impression. To know a person, we have to get to know the person. Have a conversation. Ask questions. Reveal to them a bit of who you are. Be vulnerable. Be human.
Our primitive impulses from earliest man taught us to make quick judgement calls based on safety and survival. We don't live in cave man days any more. In America, and in the "civilized" world, our minute to minute safety is generally not in danger. When we meet someone, we are typically not determining if they will physically harm us. We have the luxury of determining our trust and opinions at a deeper level.
We seem to live in a time where the influencers want us to focus on external and superficial factors. It appears to be used as a means to keep people divided. In reality, if you peel away all of those things, the truth is we are all just people. We have strengths and opportunities. We have cares and fears. We have hopes and dreams. We have similarities and differences. And it all matters. We all matter.
Look, we aren't all going to get along. There will be people we like a whole lot, and others not so much. That's reality. And that's okay. It's also reality that, in truth, these surface descriptors aren't what matter in this determination.
Hey, if you're in a life or death situation, where the safety of yourself or others, appear to be in jeopardy, keep yourself safe. Walk away. Call for help. These rare instances are not what I'm talking about.
In day to day life, what matters is the character, behavior, and personality of a person. We can't know these things in an instant. Get to know those around you. Have a conversation. Be human with each other. Make some connections, and then keep the ones that fit. You might be surprised where life takes you, when you take the time to know others, human to human.