Hello goldnboi-ga,
Since this is a purely subjective question I will offer my opinion and
hopefully it will be acceptable.
As for your first question, how can we pull America together to stop
violence, I think it is a matter of being unselfish and empathizing
with one another. We all feel pain sometimes or go through hard times
and we all need caring and gentleness as human beings. We're all
connected and influence each other on the earth. The problem is when
pride comes in -- pride is the feeling or idea that you are somehow
better or higher than another person and deserve better things than
they do.
When we bring pride in, we see greed come from that, pain and even
violence. When someone insults you, your natural inclination would be
to fight back, to hurt that person as you've been hurt. That's pride.
It's not wise, in my opinion, to be a complete pacifist because we've
all learned that sometimes people will take advantage of those who try
to be gentle. It's a tough balance. We have to have self esteem but
that esteem does not need to surpass others sense of worth.
This is where I think we can come together and end violence. It starts
in the heart -- no program or campaign or rally is going to change a
person unless they have it in their hearts to change.
As much as we can see how being unselfish lets everyone "win", it is
also extremely difficult for humans to act unselfishly.
Ending violence in America is going to be achieve little by little --
we need to stop stereotyping each other (the "rich" are to blame, the
"poor" are unworthy etc.) and look at our common weaknesses, strengths
and goals. We need to close the divide between classes, races,
political parties etc. and relate to each other as fallible but
hopeful humans.
As for whether I would help someone in a time of need, I think I
would. I would not always want to (there's that pride again:) ), but I
would sacrifice for someone if they needed me. I would not want anyone
to suffer if I could prevent it or ease it. Someday I will be the one
who needs help and I can only hope and pray that my fellow man would
reach out to help me. So I feel obligated to reach out and help others
because we do need each other to get through this life. We're all in
the same boat and problems arise for everyone if someone tries to tip
the boat over or throw people out of it.
I think we can make great improvements in how we treat each other if
we simply put ourselves in other people's shoes and hold back on
criticism before we are educated on their plight. It's easy to destroy
and hard to build up. America needs to realize and accept that it is
sometimes hard to achieve something worthwhile. Once people accept
this and do their part to help (instead of ignoring the problem and
waiting for someone else to take care of it) I believe we can all come
together and once we are on that plane together there will be no more
violence. It all begins with the heart and a willingness to put
someone else before yourself.
I hope my answer has proved satisfactory. Thank you for presenting it,
I'm sure it will spark a great discussion.
Sincerely,
Filian-ga |
