My blog inspiration psychologist, Maslow, characterized
“being concerned for the welfare of humanity and having democratic
attitudes” as traits of a self-actualized person or a person who has reached their personal best. I strive to reach my personal best through trying new things. Taking part in
a march or a protest could be in line with this and in line
with American expression.
Having a right to
dissent, differ, question, and discuss is what I love about my America.
Therefore, even though marching is outside of my comfort zone and my reasons
for going may have differed from the “platform,” I decided to take part
in this important means of American expression.
Reflection
I saw an energetic
but peaceful march of about a half a million people following there moral compass. I learned that sometimes
what is reported in the news is only part (the sensationalizing part) of the picture. I saw groups of people marching for a
variety of reasons and their signs
reflected their individual passions. The crowd looked like America, meaning that it
was a melting pot of people: men, women, both young and old and of all races and
ethnicity. I saw many women that
looked like me and I was surprised how
many seemed much older. I saw groups
standing still on sidewalks quietly displaying their messages holding up there
signs.
At times there was a carnival atmosphere like a Saturday Night Live skit but I noticed everyone smiling. Sometimes humor is the best way to cope or to open a discussion when we have polarized feelings on issues. Everyone may or may not have had the same reason for being there but everyone seemed cheerful to be a part of it.
At times there was a carnival atmosphere like a Saturday Night Live skit but I noticed everyone smiling. Sometimes humor is the best way to cope or to open a discussion when we have polarized feelings on issues. Everyone may or may not have had the same reason for being there but everyone seemed cheerful to be a part of it.
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| Pittsburgh slang "Yinz" |
Like any protest, there are people and speeches that are on the "fringe" of a protest or that seem somewhat extreme. On the other hand, one speaker that did not get much press was Van Jones. He represented a group called the “love army.” He talked about using kindness and love to overcome hate (Click here to hear speech). He reminded everyone to scrutinize their negativity on both sides of the political spectrum.
There were chants but the one that meant the most to me was, “This is what democracy looks like.” I love this country. Trump is our/my president. However, I don’t want to live in a place that is homogeneous and where everyone thinks alike. We have always had protest from the Boston Tea Party in 1773, to the Civil Rights and War demonstrations in the 1960's. This is the American freedom to express, to organize and to speak out about what matters to you.
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| sign from march |
Spiritual Reflection
..If God had given you leadership ability, take the responsibly seriously. And if you have a gift of showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Do not just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. (12 Romans 8:10)
..If God had given you leadership ability, take the responsibly seriously. And if you have a gift of showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Do not just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. (12 Romans 8:10)
Other Sources
Maslow http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
Van Jones speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHvQ_wtdfgY