The Revolution of Thought: Moving from Fear to Freedom
What Do I Want the World to Look Like?
I see a future society that treasures education—not one that bans books but encourages a culture where everyone is inspired to read and learn.
I envision walking streets that are safe for all of us, regardless of how we look.
I believe every child should walk into their school ready to learn, without fear.
I want a world where one person's love holds more power than another's revenge—where compassion influences our thoughts and behaviors more than anger or hatred.
I want a world where everyone is treated equally and where the rule of law is not bought by the highest bidder.
I want a world where health and well-being matter, where we each take action to safeguard not only our own health but also each other’s.
Most importantly, I want people to think for themselves.
If you're quick to dismiss this vision of a healthier future as wishful thinking, I’d argue that not so long ago, AI was considered nothing more than science fiction.
As much as we sometimes feel powerless, our voices hold great power.
Use your voice.
Our goals require connection, not transaction.
Whether you're seeking change or hoping things remain the same, at the core, both are about finding meaning.
The State of Our Nation
There is deep concern over the direction of the United States. From outbreaks of diseases like measles and avian flu to plane crashes, mass government firings, attacks on our rule of law and constitutional norms, and yes—even the price of eggs.
It doesn’t matter if you’re Black or white, gay or straight, Muslim or Jew, a woman or a child—we are all in danger, and we must wake up from the notion that “it’s just politics.” It’s not.
We need to change the way we think.
We need to start thinking for ourselves.
We are not so busy that we don’t have time to talk about or read up on the issues that will affect our lives. We cannot afford to be.
Just yesterday at the White House, the world watched in horror as America’s president and vice president belittled a hero fighting for his country and his people’s safety. That country is Ukraine.
Some of the rhetoric even suggested the lie that Ukraine was at fault for the war.
Let’s reframe this: If your home were broken into, would you want the police to side with the criminals?
Changing the Way We Think
We change the way we think by exploring and challenging what we see and hear—especially when we witness death and destruction being used as an excuse to line the pockets of the wealthy and powerful.
Our understanding must go beyond the surface of what others are saying. It must dive deep into inquiry. One answer is not enough. We need multiple points of view, ideas, and training to recognize the facts that lead us to the truth.
We must ask, “Where is the evidence?”
We need to focus on what is important, on stability, and on our shared goals.
DEI: Why It Matters
We also need to talk about DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
DEI is what allows Texas (R) Governor Greg Abbott into his place of employment. It ensures accessibility for people with challenges, offering them the same opportunities as everyone else.
DEI means that, as a gay man, I can bring my ideas to the table without fear of being fired, bullied, or retaliated against.
DEI means that whether you’re Black or white, gay or straight, Muslim or Jew, a woman or a child, we all have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
According to the University of Michigan, “DEI is not an empty phrase. It is not a single belief or ideology. DEI efforts include all communities. DEI requires a diversity of perspectives and supports free speech. DEI is integral to academic excellence.”
Wikipedia defines DEI as:
“Organizational frameworks that seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination based on identity or disability. These three notions—diversity, equity, and inclusion—represent 'three closely linked values' which organizations seek to institutionalize through DEI frameworks.”
The truth is, while we’ve been distracted by so-called culture wars, what is truly unfolding is a class war right before our eyes.
The Class War Distraction
The news cycles inundate us with reasons to remain angry. They build fear, sound bite by sound bite.
They create culture wars and pit us against each other while corporations and billionaires continue to rake in billions—off the backs of us.
Americans, in particular, have become obsessed with the mostly unattainable—reality TV stars, their wealth, private islands, celebrity, and fame. It’s not achievable, and it’s not real.
We must rethink our thinking.
The Power of One Voice
As much as we sometimes feel powerless, our individual voices are powerful.
Use your voice.
Our goals require connection, not transaction.
If you’re looking for change or hoping things remain the same, both are seeking the same thing: meaning.
American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said, “What is true should not flow from authority. If someone has authority over what you think, they can get you to believe anything.”
The bottom line is this: The more we hear the same lies repeated over and over, the more we start to question reality. We are left either confused, indifferent, or eventually believing the lie.
We are all in danger, and we must wake up from the spell that this is just politics. It’s not.
If they did it to their country, they will do it to yours.
Let’s think for ourselves about that.
—R. Silvia YESRISING TOGETHER
https://odei.umich.edu/2024/04/18/dei-defined-what-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-really-means/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion
Photo by Haberdoedas II on Unsplash