Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Make a Better World

It’s common knowledge among most travelers: if everybody traveled, the world would be a better place. We live in a time that so easily allows us, if not forces us, to take sides and opine on things we don’t understand. It’s natural to generalize, stereotype and assume. And it’s harmful to us all.

On the other hand, establishing a personal connection, empathizing and seeing the effects of our world on itself changes our approach entirely. Experiencing the humanity of a group we reflexively criticize causes reflection. Learning about customs we initially deem “weird” helps us empathize. We realize there’s hardly a “right” or “wrong”, just differences to reconcile.

So it’s easy to hate, impulsive to take sides. Terrible things happen in the world, and the news feels like it’s surrounding you, tightening its grip around the final vestiges of humanity. But it’s the exceptional (read: sensational) that sells, not the normal. The vast, vast, vast majority of people are good, and wish well for everyone else. There’s no line in the sand or sides to take; everybody depends on everyone else in some way. It’s far more difficult, uncomfortable and scary to pursue this type of relationship with the world, but the effects are far better, and longer-lasting, for everybody. 

While it’s tempting to lash out or hide behind a self-imposed fence, that will only perpetuate those false senses of threats. Instead, it takes deliberate thought and connection to those very same elements. The world really is beautiful, and we can continue to make it even more so if we truly set out to learn about it. 


Travel. Break down barriers. Look for a bridge to build. Listen to an opposing view (and I mean really listen). Respect humans, because they are humans. Be part of the world, and connect with it. Step by step, little by little, it will become an even better place.

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