Polarization

Let’s all hate Russia. Let’s all hate Putin and call him the next Hitler. Or let’s do the opposite. Let’s see everything Putin does as totally justifiable and let’s see the USA and the West as the real enemy. Let’s believe everything that the mainstream media tells us. Or everything that alternative media tells us. Or every new meme that is spread in the forums that we frequently visit. Or Russian media. Or Russian media is all propaganda while we can trust our media. Or vice versa.

And let’s hate everyone that disagrees with us and call them idiots, nazis, communists, misogynists, sheep etcetera. Because value loaded labels usually make way for a productive discussion and show that we are truly prepared to understand each other and try to take in new perspectives. It is much better to uncritically listen to those that we have been taught by society to regard as trustworthy sources, or those that our friends tell us are trustworthy, or those that we happen to agree with on other issues, instead of actually trying to understand the issue at hand with all its nuances and complexities. 

Or we could take a step back, realize that at the core we are all one, all beloved children of God, that very few of us actually want to harm anyone or deliberately believe harmful lies. We could try to feel sympathy for each others’ struggles with coming to terms with what is going on, in a world where we are more and more coming face to face, with the fact that sources that once were deemed trustworthy, have become corrupt. With the fact that no clear-cut alternative has presented itself. With the fact that power hinges on the control of perception and beliefs. That all global actors know and exploit this. Not just the ones that we happen to disagree with.

I believe that no matter what side a person is on, we need to be very cautious with people that spread hate, demonize their opponents and cast blame while completely ignoring their own shadow. This goes for all conflicts.

I also believe that in these times where it is literally impossible to know what worldly sources that we can trust, we need to first and foremost look inwards. To seek God and his guidance, because God is the only one that we always know that we can trust. As long as we look to the world for answers, we will only find more confusion. But when we start to shift by looking within and take responsibility for who we are and our part in the mess that we are in, rather than blaming others for it, others will start to shift as well. When others see our change, they will want to follow. Because this is doubtless a crucial and necessary step in human evolution. And once someone understands this, there is no going back for that person, even if he/she naturally will stumble many times along the way. And for such a person, truth becomes more and more important, while being right becomes less and less important. Because such a person will gradually come to the realization, that what is important is his/her connection with God and other people, not to force one’s will on the world. And such a connection leaves no room for lies, deception and manipulation. Such a connection is the antithesis of polarization.