By: Felixia M. Valerius, MA, LPCC & Donna Wallace, MA, BCC, LADC
Every time we turn on the news or open the internet there seems to be another horror story. We are baffled by what is going on in our country and in the world. It may not even seem possible to discuss our feelings about what we are hearing with others because tensions are high and people seem easily offended. We might not be able to figure out how to have an honest dialogue about our fears and thoughts.
The United States is becoming increasingly diverse. Even so, people of differing faiths, cultures, and races share a common humanity and can share similar core values. When you get to know people on a deeper level, and listen to them, you may have more in common than expected!
Here are a few tips:
- Know yourself, examine your own biases.
- Educate yourself on the topics and events.
- Get accurate information…this is much harder to come by than you think! Read the fine print.
- It’s ok not to know everything – ask genuine and productive questions.
- Facebook and Internet may not be the most reliable sources of information, especially emotion provoking memes that anyone can make!
- Don’t make assumptions.
- Think before you speak.
- Be open and inviting to new information, even when passionate.
- Speak proactively not reactively.
- Respect, respect, respect…we can’t say this word enough.
REMINDER: Take care of yourself and your children physically, emotionally, and socially at this time. Even media coverage can be traumatizing.
The majority of us who do not hate and who are against the use of violence CAN work together to find a common ground. This is the only way that change will happen. Violence and verbal attacks fuel more hate, death, and create further trauma.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
