I heard a snippet of an interview with a man from Iraq the other day on the radio. He spoke about his traumatic experience in war torn Iraq, and the conflict between Sunni and Shiite groups. When questioned about the mixture of races and beliefs he now encounters daily in New York City, he commented that so many different people living together feels like an impending eruption. He wondered aloud, how could it be sustainable? How could it not at some point devolve into violence? Of course he was afraid, having lived in a multicultural city before, and seeing it collapse into unthinkable chaos.
He talked about all the different kinds of people on the subway. In my head, I can picture it clearly. So many people from incredibly different backgrounds, all holding hatred and judgement in their hearts. All carrying traumas of their own. We all carry these things. In one way or another.
But, we love each other.
At least I do.
I love you.
I see you, and you are me.
I see you as a child.
And I try to open my heart to your experience.
Sometimes I don't understand.
But it just takes time.
And I always will try, and I always will care for you.
All those people on the subway today. I think they love each other too. Have you not experienced the kindness of strangers? It is as much a thing of natural beauty as any sunset, or mountain, and just as common. Maybe more.
(Which reminds me, I still have to pay forward the favor of that man at the diner who paid our tab for no reason.)
I'm not saying it could never happen here because we are different or special. We are not. We are all the same. As long as we keep recognizing that, we'll be ok.
What do you think?
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