A Letter to My Child Regarding Politics
Key Themes
- Loving Amidst Differences: Emphasizes the challenge of loving others despite differing opinions and ideas.
- Energy in Differences: Compares the energy in differences to fire, which can be destructive or powerful if harnessed correctly.
- Politics as Navigation of Differences: Politics is about navigating these differences to decide on leaders and rules.
Understanding Politics and Peacemaking
- Challenges in Politics: Politics involves vulnerability and high stakes as it deals with disagreements on important matters.
- No Guarantees in Politics: People may or may not listen, agree, or support you, which can lead to being perceived as bad.
- Being a Peacemaker: The letter aims to teach the child to be a peacemaker amidst political differences.
Truths for Peacemakers
- Uniqueness in Differences: Each person is unique, and these differences enhance the world.
- Goodness in Disagreement: People who disagree often have different perspectives on doing and being good.
- Loving Others: Even those you disagree with are God’s children and deserve love.
- Facing Differences: Peacemakers must confront differences without fear or defensiveness.
Avoiding Arguing
- Curiosity and Listening: Encourage curiosity and listening instead of arguing.
- Understanding Over Arguing: Understanding someone’s beliefs is more productive than finding faults.
- Honesty and Presence: Be honest about your views and engage with others openly.
Common Ground and Peace
- Common Ground Isn't Always Possible: Unity doesn’t always require agreement or common ground.
- Making Peace Now: Peacemaking should happen amidst differences, not waiting for consensus.
Calls to Action
- Appreciate Differences: Acknowledge and admire qualities in others, even those you disagree with.
- Peaceful Dialogue: Express authentic beliefs without hostility.
- Engaging Young Minds: Teach children to participate in conversations and embrace different perspectives.
Conclusions
- Harnessing Differences: Use the energy from differences to improve the world.
- Role of Peacemakers: Essential in holding society together amidst fast-paced changes.
- Final Promise: Engaging in differences can lead to personal growth and understanding.
Sarah Perkins is noted for her work as a writer and filmmaker, encouraging peace and understanding through her storytelling.