As humans inhabiting this world, we all have some basic elements in common. We have physical needs – eating, sleeping, shelter, and we have emotional needs – love, acceptance, respect. We all need something to do, somewhere to love, someplace to go. We may not look the same or speak the same language, we might not greet each other the same or say goodbye with the same gestures, yet we all inhabit this planet together.
This is not a diversity loaded message. This is not the one you read to check the politically correct box. This message is about reminding us that when we take away all the things that we perceive to make us different, we all basically want the same thing. The people you do not get along with on any level, they love their children like you love your children. The people who the moment they open their mouths your blood begins to boil, they cherish their family and want them safe just like you want your family safe. The man whose opinions seem insane and stupid to you wants his daughter to be safe on her first date just like you want your daughter to be safe. The monster of a mother who helicopters over your child’s classroom wants her son to learn and grow, just like you want your son to learn and grow.
You interact with people everyday who look and talk, act and create completely differently than you do. And yet, they truly want the same basic things that you do. Think about that next time you wonder why people are so stupid…they may be thinking the exact same thing about you. Cut through the layers of prejudice, assumptions, politically correct or incorrect labels and remind yourself that they are just like you in what they want and need. It is at this point that we can truly understand how to better live and interact with each other.
Ann Art Gallery Blog 