Decelerating the downward slide of our generations
Mahatma Ghandi said, “Greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest member.” Even in 21st century, our society exhibits many examples where the poor and the disenfranchised are marginalized and corralled into huddled masses to endure further injustice. We don’t need to look outside our borders to see atrocities being committed. It happens right here, in our own country; our hometown; and in our neighborhood!
Just the other day, I saw an elderly woman coming onto a crowded bus looking for a seat. Typically the seats near the front are reserved for the elderly, pregnant or anyone needing priority. But the entire bus was packed and all the seats up front were occupied by gaggling groups of teenagers. The elderly woman made her way in and found a foothold near me and all I can offer was a sympathetic smile. She was in good spirits and even joked how standing would do her circulation a bit of good. She secured her balance hooking a pole with her elbow while clutching a cane and a thermos of food. The woman was clearly not in distress and rather enjoyed the bumpy ride but I did notice that not a single teenager glanced up much less offered their seat. This went on for at least 10 or 15 stops and then a few adults who were sitting nearby stood up and directed the teenagers to get ready to exit at the next stop. It became evident that this was a high school field trip and within a minute, half the bus emptied. The elderly woman took a rest, seated. I returned to my book, standing.
The more I thought about the situation that had transpired, the more I felt assured in my conviction that raising a child begins at home and we cannot rely solely on teachers for the education of youth. And I think it all boils down to four simple concepts: authority, respect, empathy and mindfulness.
We cannot rely solely on teachers for the education of youth on what is civil society. I think it all boils down to four simple concepts: authority, respect, empathy and mindfulness.
Lessons with authorities don’t mean blind submission to a higher power. It just means recognizing and appreciating a person is charged with a particular role, often to provide a service or expertise to ensure a greater good. If a traffic light goes out and a police officer acts as a stand-in, no one will question her authority to ensure efficient traffic flow and safety for all. Respecting authority is a function of civil society. Sometimes, we need to forfeit the expression of our own idea for just a brief moment and allow others to express theirs. This is not subjugation, this is just accommodating alternatives.
Teaching children that not everything is about them allows them to realize that they are not the center of the universe but an integral part of a larger social tapestry. Recognizing the contribution of others as much as they want theirs to be recognized is essential to building empathy. This conscious awareness of interdependency is necessary in developing a child’s mindfulness. A child who is aware of the sanctity of her surroundings will truly leave a positive impression for others to experience.
It’s the old stone soup story, wherein the fable taught that if everyone shares a small amount of food in order to make a larger meal, everyone can be provided for. The elderly woman told me that her thermos of food was her contribution to a potluck lunch. I am certain that this good spirited elderly woman found her destination and had a wonderful time with her group. I felt very fortunate that she taught me it is possible to live a fabled life. I’m also certain that for as many people as there are willing to make a stone soup, there will always be a meal for everyone.