Getting out of our comfort zone makes us better humans; of this, I’m convinced. It’s why I’m such a massive supporter of viewing, engaging, attending art that challenges us. It grows us up. It gives us a more holistic view of the world, of humanity.
Comedian Aziz Ansari put out a new special on Netflix recently entitled Nightclub Comedian. He does a bit on Aaron Rogers and the vaccine drama surrounding the football star last year. It’s a funny bit and certainly worth the watch, but toward the end, Ansari says something that I found really refreshing. He talks about how we are all in our own little algorithm. What we see and like online is catered to us. Therefore tribalism (and in turn, division) is easier than ever. He challenges his audience to get outside of their algorithm. It’s the only forward: empathy. I can hear the groan from both sides of whatever invisible line there is out there, “how can I possibly have empathy for insert name here.” Dismissing someone as ignorant, prideful, and demonic is much easier.
This isn’t the cry of an *avoids all conflict* man either (I did an Instagram poll on Taylor Swift, I’m here for the conflict). Instead, I’m crying out that we authentically engage with differing views for as far as we can, for as long as we can, with a hope that common ground can be found. Call me a dreamer. In the words of my mentor from a distance, Russel Moore, “kindness does not avoid conflict; it engages in conflict with the goal of reconciliation.” Suddenly, kindness is far heavier than we could have ever imagined.
So will you join me? Don’t shut down the person you disagree with as soon as they begin talking. Listen to them, maybe even poke a little at their view? Be polite, be compassionate. Follow someone you know you disagree with on various topics on social media. Read the book that you’ve stayed away from. Let’s stop putting fingers in our ears. Let’s choose kindness.
-L