This Easter Monday, I woke up with the sad news of Pope Francis passing. Many years ago, I saw this video, and it brought me tears. I had to watch it again. What touches me deeply is that Pope Francis makes sure that all the audience in the area gets involved for this little Emanuel’s question and lets him hear the answer to console him. There is such a joyful, “let’s all say it together!” atmosphere. It almost looks like you are at the Bon Jovi concert, where you are asked to sing along. You would be singing with John Bon Jovi, would you? See, it’s not just from the Pope’s words to a little Emanuel, or, something like “this is what scripture says…”
Everyone was involved. All the neighbors of Emanuel helped him.
Power of people: Power of community: I think little Emanuel (who is probably not little anymore) grows up to become someone who can learn to love and trust people in his community, and who can perhaps become a good leader to make his society a better place. Because he learned that the community as a whole can comfort a little boy with love and kindness.
What is the definition of “Advanced Society”? Is it Technological Prowess? Is it Economic Prosperity? Is it Richness in Culture? When ChatGPT gives us an answer, when Katy Perry can fly into space, or when we can purchase online, are these the signs of advanced society?
I am going to share my personal opinion here. What I value in an advanced society is, simply, “Kindness.” 私的な＜進んだ社会の定義＞は、その社会に『まわりに対する優しさ』があるかどうか、です。
People simply get scared when we see others who are not like ourselves. That’s a normal human defense mechanism. Then, we have a choice: 人間って、自分と同じ人種や文化ではない人にはどうしても防衛体制をとってしまいますよね。これは普通のこと。でもそこで選択枠があるのかな、と。
#1) We could stay being scared, which leads to confusion or misunderstanding. But, without trying to be inclusive or reaching out, we create a big gap. In a terrible scenario, this creates arguments, then, a real worst case, war between countries or cultures. そのまま防衛体制をとり、それがもとに、混乱や誤解も起きてしまったり。理解しあおうとしないので、大きな溝が生じてしまい、闘争がうまれ、最悪の場合、国や文化の間で戦争にまで発展してしまう。
#2) We acknowledge that we are all humans, and we should be open-minded about differences. No need to create arguments; instead, put energy to find a common ground. みんな人間！だから、違って当然、と認知する。その上で共通点を見つけることに集中していく。
I think #2) requires extra work, BUT, with the help of “kindness”, anyone can achieve it – without any ChatGPT assistance or an Amazon Prime purchase. However, giving kindness to others is a POWERFUL decision, a real dedication, and a rewarding lifestyle, which has an even MORE POWERFUL capability to change society.
I live in Morocco as an immigrant. I am not an expat, I am not a diplomat, I simply migrated from another country. I am an alien who cannot speak the local language, nor understand the local culture fully. YET, people here have been welcoming me, trying to help me, and including me with an open heart (By the way, not many people here care about Katy Perry’s space trip – I asked).
That’s what I call “Advanced Society” – There is a harmony. And, when you are in harmony, people are vibrant. Their smiles are genuine. And, that has a positive, contagious effect, that I would also like to be kind to them & contribute to their society somehow. これが、＜進んだ社会＞なのかなぁ、と。そして、そういった調和ある社会にいる方達は、活気に満ちています。笑顔も本物です。そして、そのような社会にいると、自然と、私もみなさんに優しくなりたい、貢献したい、と思えてきます。
Our son who studies Graphic Art at RISD shared with us these assignments; apparently, he had to “choose a cultural theme (e.g., festival, tradition) and create a series of illustrations incorporating only 5 colors significant to that culture. You should explain their color choices in relation to cultural symbolism.”
He chose the “Sami” culture, as he is part of Sami and we, as a family, cherish its tradition dearly. The harmony of the colors and expressions in these illustrations encouraged me to express what I wrote today. I found the tremendous “kindness” in his art. Tack så mycket, Koji! On this Easter, on this day of hope & renewal, I choose to be kind.
