Don’t get sucked into the rhetoric of division

Yesterday I posted a blog about inclusion at work and how embracing the diversity within our workplace will improve creativity and productivity. Today I woke up to more news of division in the world we live in. Our world seems more divided than ever. The news it appears is full of hate.

Whether you agree or disagree with the President of USA, it is so important that we do not get sucked into an us or them. You are either with us or against us. Everywhere we look at the moment there is an encouragement to take sides. Today’s news is dominated with the assassination of an Iranian General by the USA and the rights and wrongs of this decision, and that this may lead to a wider conflict. For some this will fuel hate towards Iran, USA, President Trump, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Boris Johnson, or Jeremy Corbyn. They generally seem to be popular targets of hate depending on your position. The consequences of all this hateful rhetoric is that innocent people in the middle east, the Cities of Europe, Cities of USA, or even any Cities around the world are put at real risk of harm. I read a comment from a Student who lives in Baghdad who said that he fears that the innocent and poor of Iraq will suffer again because USA and Iran hate each other.

Now here is the thing, I have heard so many anecdotal stories from people that have visited Iran, Iraq and USA, and they all describe people that are warm and friendly. I am going to hazard a guess that no matter where you go in the world you will find warm and generous people. Humans are essentially the same, we are on the whole warm and generous if given the opportunity.

Is it about time we stop buying into this rhetoric of division and hate, that is peddled by some of our leaders and media. All it is doing is playing to our fears and our innate desire to protect ourselves and others. When we respond to this bullshit we do not make ourselves safer. We make the world more dangerous. I can only guess why our press and leaders peddle this, but I imagine it has more to do with power and wealth than keeping me and you safe.

The world would be a much poorer place if we all agreed with each other. We learn through discourse and taking on differing views. Having a different view of the world is not a reason to hate someone. We all need to start listening to understand, rather than to judge. I urge you all not to let this rhetoric infect they way you behave towards your fellow humans.