Trying to strike up a conversation with someone in person is difficult; but doing so online feels even riskier. “So, did you watch the game last night” is pretty lame since I don’t know where you are, and if you even like to watch games. But I feel a need to reach out to you, because so many ugly things are happening, and I feel there is a great need for finding common ground. Here in the US and around the world we are bombarded with confusing, and often upsetting volleys of mixed facts, opinions, lies, and inaccurate or incomplete information.
I believe we may have common ground in regard to lives and futures of our grandchildren. We want the best for them; but I know I can’t remove them to an idyllic location and protect them from what we’re all facing. There is no escaping with them. No matter where we are, we’ve all been born into a ‘civilized’ society; a social contract. OK, now I’m going a bit ‘teacherly’ here.
____________________________________________________________
A social contract or political contract is an agreement between the people of a state and the government of a state. The people agree to follow certain rules made by the government. These rules are usually called laws. Laws help to make sure people have rights and that their rights are protected. One kind of social contract is a constitution. A constitution says how decisions are made and sets limits on the powers of leaders and other people who have authority.
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia_____________________________________________________
Of course we’re likely to think of state and federal laws, but there are lots of social contracts. Are you the member of a lodge? A church? The Marines? The PTA? A book club? Most of us are a part of numerous agreements or affiliations. In addition to our obligations to adhere to laws, we often are expected to adhere to norms, behaviors, and even attitudes. Organizations and affiliations are not bad; they are great ways to spend time and energy doing things for a common purpose or enjoying common interests.
I know it is easier for me to stay with the activities and folks I’m comfortable with, but in this blog, I’m trying to grow and learn, and maybe take baby steps toward doing something that will broaden my horizons and perspective.
I know that I have inherited some attitudes and habits from my family, my childhood, and my youth; and some of them are not very nice. (Like frequent uncontrollable swearing, interrupting, and spontaneous hugging.) And I’m certain I need attitude adjustments, probably many.
But what we receive from society, through our various contracts, formal or informal, can continue to grow, adjust, and mature. And I want to grow. I want us all to grow by taking on new experiences. Up to now, I’ve always been motivated to action by either fear or guilt. There’ll be plenty more about fear and guilt in future blogs I am sure, but today I’m motivated to meet new people, eat new foods, go to different places, and learn new things about this world. And maybe do some things that will help make a better world for our grandchildren and their children.
I hope you’ll join me, with ideas, questions, and a willingness to try something different.