25 Top 10 Lists for 25: Top 10 Things We Should Care About More (22)
I was going to do a post about 10 awesome non-profits. But, I think there is awesome work being done to combat a lot of unfortunate truths in our society, some that have nothing to do with non-profit work, but awareness, art, and people who just plain care. So here are my thoughts on the…
Top 10 Things We Should Care About More:
The messages we are sending kids about their “flaws”
First of all, flaws are completely subjective. Your flaw may be my trademark and vice versa, so why we insist on letting our kids be exposed to so many harmful images and ideas about their worth is really troubling. Here’s a great example of how we refuse to empower our girls especially:
The imbalance of wealth representation in our government
I don’t know about you, but it makes no sense to me to have a government full of people who make more than any average American.
The effects of our words
Considering our free reign on social media these days, many of us are completely desensitized to the effects that our words and opinions have on others and our relationships. Most people don’t know how crazy you are until you lay it all out there by just plain being a social media nightmare.
Public education systems
Jefferson County schools in Colorado had mass walk outs due to potentially having the history curriculum changed drastically to further praise the “heros” of history. There is a quote that says the victors write history, but that in no way means they are heros. Victory and heroism are not intertwined. The thought of this even being an option brings up fundamental issues in American schooling that we all need to learn more about.
The meaning of “privilege” and how it effects society
I know so many people who hate the word and concept of “privilege.” We all have things that we feel set us back socially, and we hate to admit that others may have it harder. But, to make this a non-issue, perceptions of others have to become less harsh and more accepting. Until we can all agree, all be comfortable with someone different than we are, all stop looking for a scapegoat, some type of person will become “other.” That is where thought patterns start to take hold of our perceptions, creating privilege. It’s not a way to cry wolf, it’s a way to understand why some are working harder every day than others.
Publicizing bad behavior
"Bad" is subjective, but most can agree that mass shootings and teen pregnancy are not things we want to encourage in our society for a lot of different reasons. So STOP allowing it to completely pervade our media and conversations. Absolutely no one who has shot up a school should get more attention than the victims. We take away the humanity that we’ve already taken away by become so disconnected as a society. Change the focus.
Saving energy and winterizing the nation
The polar vortex was a crazy crazy time, and as Coloradan, I’m grateful it was relatively mild for us compared to much of the mid-west and eastern states. But what causes these extremes? Nature to a degree, yes, but right now, global warming. Yes it’s a real thing, and yes we need to get more energy efficient and get better systems of saving ourselves from the elements we helped create.
Making connections with other people
We are so out of touch. Getting back into the swing of really caring for another is so vitally important, and we MUST practice caring for others and getting to know them to stop the loneliness and craziness we see so highly publicized. A good thing to practice is picking up the phone and calling someone, or even making time to meet with them. Personal, professional, whatever the motive, make the connection. In post 21, I outlined 10 potential ways to show someone you love them. Check it out, and DO IT. We are suffering on Earth, and a little love goes a long way.
The intentions of others
Many don't believe that intention matters when an act either doesn't occur, or an act is for the bigger good. I would agree, but only slightly. Knowing why people are doing what they are doing is very important. A great example is this little history lesson from the blog Tea & Breakfast that explains why the Kim Kardashian ass photo is a little more than just something to entertain... Read the piece here.
Getting the facts
We are so quick to condemn others, myself included, based on half-assed, twisted representations of what might be happening. Get the facts first. Reserve judgement. Don't be that guy eating allllll the crow.
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