The modern world functions 'best' when people pick sides. Sadly, it's encouraged to have a non-collaborative society. Recent history shows inflammation between races, genders, geographies, political parties, religions, companies - this list goes on and on, feeding the media frenzy.
Lately, there have been opportunities for people to talk about history but only one side is invited to the table. Even on the eve of the Katrina anniversary (when there are so many other progressive things to discuss), here in New Orleans, Hizzoner (as the press calls him) has a panel of his friends and supportive business colleagues discuss the monuments for confederate soldiers that only distract from the real issues the city faces ten years after the storm – yet the “open public meeting” didn’t have time for “the people” to talk and they still voted the way they wanted, with propaganda that their solution is what the people want. Real progress is what people want – we could start there J
If two sides could have a calm discussion on any topic, it wouldn't make for hot news. People forget, but it's NOT good manners to point out the flaws of other people. As a counter attack to the regular nit-picking, several people in the last few days started pointing out flaws within their own group.
Two articles in two different publications by two different freelance writers take their own “group” and show them the problems with their own group's behavior. This isn't an outsider telling someone else what they're doing wrong. It's a great way to help shape the conversation from within. It's a great risk, but there's no greater reward than improving the lives around you. There have been quite a few of these types of stories lately… maybe folks should start paying attention and taking appropriate action.
If you want change in the world, you need to be the change. These two authors should be commended for starting a conversation (as you know they'll feel the heat from within the group of the culprit-types they highlight).
http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/7/stop-telling-women-how-to-talk.html
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/fashion/masculinities-studies-stonybrook-michael-kimmel.html?referrer=
(Though Ms. Bennett writes the article, she merely relays Professor Michael Kimmel's study and resulting program)
