Thursday, October 6, 2022

Blind Spots

    A few days ago I was observing a conversation that had some disturbing elements to it.  A group of acquaintances was discussing the havoc to their second homes in Florida.  The range of damage ranged from minor to significant.   During the conversation I heard little sympathy for the permanent Florida residents that had lost everything and were homeless.   They all seemed completely focused on their losses.   I guess that is to be expected.  However it got me to thinking of how blind we who have comfortable means can be about those who struggle.  I know that I am no paragon of virtue in helping people, but I do hope that I have an awareness that will prod me to do some good.   Maybe if I had lost a second home I would be more sympathetic to the vacationers!

    In that same conversation I must say  I was appalled to hear remarks to the effect that brown and black skinned folks were  getting an unusual amount of help and relief.   The implication was that they were especially privileged.   A colleague remarked afterwards, that if that was the case were these folks ready to swap places.  The same group also were vehement climate change deniers.    I could not be silent on that and tried to point to the data to the contrary.   Sadly it made no dent in their convictions.   I guess I have to accept that sometimes people will believe what they want to believe and remain blind to the obvious.  However, when we cannot mutually accept truth in data I have to object.

    I know that I have been pointing fingers and feel that I will have to be more introspective on my own blind spots.   I trust I will be able to hear and absorb other points of view.   

   

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