Different Perspectives

Something happened today that made me think about the importance of perspective — that is, understanding our own, and knowing when to step back and acknowledge those of other people.

We can get really caught up in our own lives, what we have to say and why we’ve come to our own conclusions. I know that I’m often guilty of this. Whenever I see an incendiary headline, or read a tweet from someone I don’t necessarily like, it’s easy for me to judge what they have to say as either “good” or “bad”, based on my own perspective. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can be, and often is, problematic.

The thing is, we have to put our own opinions and convictions in context. None of our views exist in a vacuum, and neither do those of anyone else. Self-awareness is what saves us from looking like insensitive fools who speak on things without being informed; the internet already has enough people like that, as I’m sure you know.

Especially if someone else is in a marginalized group that we don’t belong to, it’s incredibly important that we pay attention when they speak out about something that upsets them, or something they find to be inaccurate or harmful. In most cases, we can’t judge them to be right or wrong based on our own biased perspective, especially when we haven’t had to go through what they’ve had to endure. We simply don’t know enough.

Tonight I’m in my bedroom, typing this post on my laptop, listening to the booming fireworks outside and hoping I don’t end up with a headache. I’ve never been particularly fond of fireworks, usually seeing them as far more trouble than they’re worth. Nights like this are annoying for me, and no doubt triggering to different groups as well, like veterans, trauma survivors, and dogs. It would be easy for me to view the people outside my window as inconsiderate and obnoxious, uncaring and callous.

But then I remember how traumatic these past couple of years have been. I remember that for many people, this is one of the first holidays they’ve been able to responsibly spend with family and friends. I remember how many people have lost family and friends, and how this one loud night of fireworks might genuinely feel cathartic for them, perhaps the most hopeful night they’ve had in a very long time.

I remember that, and I unclench my jaw. I put in my noise-canceling headphones and prepare for an explosive night. It’s not the end of the world for me. I can endure it.

Hopefully, we can make space for people’s different perspectives, even when they challenge ours or prove inconvenient. There are times when we should absolutely call out harmful things that people do or say, and then there are times when we have to just tune it out, or choose to listen.

Oh, and Happy Independence Day, for those who choose to celebrate.

Until next time,

-D.