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We need to build more connections between individuals and society before cultivating compassion. If we look at what happened in the past from a personal perspective, it is difficult for us to have a deep understanding of lives. In fact, just feeling sad for others’ experiences cannot solve the problem. We need to find out the real issues and solve them, so cultivating more real connections is more conducive to providing humanistic care.
According to Brokenleg (2012), the most powerful tool of the oppressor is the ideas of the oppressed. Simply looking back at history will still keep the values of the colonial era in people’s minds. Are the First Nations not good enough? Actually, the weak have almost no say in history books. Obviously, the plight of Aboriginal people in real life is easy to link to the distant 18th century, but many people ignore their real difficulties. As Evans (2018) said, committing to racial mindfulness can raise people’s awareness of “the depth of racial harm and injustice that exists in our lives and around the world.” Historical problems need to be solved more realistically. People need to realize that their egocentrism, or self-righteousness, is the biggest obstacle.
Cultivating connections with others requires the cultivation of mindfulness. It is well known that prejudices deepen opposition, but mindful connections can reduce value conflicts. First, our existence will benefit others. We are not anyone’s vassal, because there are no supporting roles on the stage of life. Furthermore, our efforts can help solve problems. We can control our knowledge and talents, which will help us deal with problems in life. Next, we can control ourselves, including emotions and choices, and we are responsible for our choices and make our lives better. Finally, it is also important to gain recognition from others, which will encourage and prove us. We are not alone. When we connect with society, we will discover the value of ourselves and others.
Reference
Brokenleg, M. (2012). Transforming Cultural Trauma into Resilience. Reclaiming Children & Youth, 21(3), 9–13.
Evans, K. (2018). Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism from the Inside Out. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES, 27(11), 3764–3766. https://doi-org.ezproxy.tru.ca/10.1007/s10826-018-1190-5
It’s an interesting blog Solon. I like how you have emphasized the importance of building connections between individuals and society. Also, how the significance of racial mindfulness plays a role in recognising systemic injustices. Indeed, by fostering mindful and meaningful relationships, individuals can contribute to resolving historical and contemporary problems more effectively.
I totally agree with you Solon, in our multicultural society, establishing meaningful connections with others requires us to be mindful of our biases and differences. By recognizing our own biases and those of others, we can work towards reducing value conflicts and strengthening relationships. Thank you for sharing.
You brought up a valuable point on how colonization has led to prejudices and injustices towards Indigenous people. We never read about the Indigenous perspectives in history books; they were written by the colonizers who perpetuated the negative view of Indigenous people. The Indigenous people have to re-write those books to relieve themselves from the shackles of colonization and racism. As Shweta discussed in her blog, we need to make relationships with others from different cultures to see their goodness. In this way, we can break down the wall of prejudics and create roads for empathy and compassion 🙂