The impact of negative judgment spewed during the Presidential debate has been making the news. There’s a reason for this – what we think and say has a direct impact, large and small. From crazy comments about Haitians eating pets, to false claim about Venezuelans gangs taking hostages, the results are outrage, bomb threats, school closings and chaos.
Labeling people has consequences in any setting. The maelstrom that ensues serves a purpose – to create fear, divisiveness and attention for personal or political gain.
We each have a responsibility to take a stand to correct this. Look at the ways this works for you.
CHALLENGE MYTHS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT THAN YOU
We hosted a group of Haitian musicians for a concert through our non-profit, GreenRoom Exchange. Their musicianship was absolutely awesome, receiving rave reviews. They were also some of our most polite and helpful guests. To speak negatively about them as a group is beyond belief. It’s so wrong. I’m saying this to anyone who will listen. What makes you take a stand for a person or group that’s being persecuted? I do it with people with mental illness who are caught in the criminal justice system. Speak up, stand up!
RECOGNIZE THE IMPACT OF YOUR NEGATIVE JUDGEMENT ON YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Let’s take this issue closer to home. Notice how the negative judgment of yourself, often a silent, but insidious internal voice, shuts you down, keeping you from following through to do great things you could otherwise accomplish. Notice how that same silent judgement of others keeps you at a distance, thwarts engagement, collaboration and shuts the door on opportunity. I hear about people not wanting to travel or experience new things because of false assumptions. The impact can be great. Where do you notice it?
FIND THE UNIGUE BEAUTY AND GIFTS OF THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENT
Notice the unique gifts and beauty of those who you judge, including yourself. Take an honest look. It’s humbling to see yourself and others as worthy, exceptional and unique. Challenge yourself and see what changes you can create internally.
Does this speak to you – reach out if you’d like to explore it.
