I have been blessed to know many MANY strong people in my life. They are nurses, teachers, business people, volunteers, activists, and advocates for a variety of causes. They are fighting for a cause, they are fighting for themselves, they are fighting for their familes, and they are fighting for others. They are fighting the government, they are fighting legislation, they are fighting colleagues, team-members and they are fighting pre-existing stereotypes, labels, and misconceptions.
It's clear to me that each of these people have taken up the cause because they've believed in it. Something about it has implanted deep within them. I, for example, am an avid advocate of breastfeeding.
It can be exciting to take a stand and fight. To share the information, educate others, break down barriers and push through. It's awesome to see minds change, and people impacted by your actions, by your taking a stand. And it's a responsibility. I am a nurse, consultant, and educator - it's my JOB to be passionate about this topic.
But I think deep down every one of us need to take a pause and contemplate exacting what we're fighting for, and exactly who we're fighting against. Do you actually know what you're getting into? Do you actually know the other side of the argument? Educate yourself on both sides. Your argument is a million times stronger if you already know what they're going to say. Do you know your sources? Do you know theirs?
And do you know who you're up against? Are they the attackers or the uneducated? Are they the unjust or the uninformed? There are times and places for the bullhorn and picket-line, yes. But don't forget that actions can also speak louder than words, and sometimes respect begets respect. Are they people you know, or strangers? The high-powered, or the person on the street? Are they people like you, or polar opposites? Do you know their background, their resources, what led them to where they are, and why they believe what they do?
It's disheartening to see people get disrespected by the bullhorn, or turned off by someone's on or off-podium actions. And it's frustrating to get painted with the same brush. In all the fighting, where's the compassion? Where's the respect? Just because you're right (or think you're right) doesn't make other people automatically wrong.
So I beg you to take a moment and think about how you take up your cause. Because your actions don't just impact you. They impact us all.
VERY important topic hun, and well written too! I often have to stop myself mid-tirade against a parent & remind myself, Do I truly know what they're going through? Have I made allowances for where they are in the grieving process of having a special needs child? It's important to remember that we all are doing what we think is best. Sometimes we're just misinformed or misguided, not malicious or purposely antagonistic.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda, that means a lot coming from you! It's something I frequently have to remind myself of too - not everything is malicious, quite often it's misinformation, and we have to consider the best way to help relay the correct information instead! It's the whole "catch more flies with honey" addage sometimes. ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it! :)