Sometimes there are images which become indelibly etched into our psyches no matter how hard we try to erase them. Military personnel who see “action” often experience this. Children and adults who witness violence, death, or some other form of shock or horror might go through this sort of thing, too. As for me, the most recent impression I wish wasn’t seared into my memory is one of violence against the citizens of Ferguson, Missouri, that occurred, ironically, under a cheery banner of holiday lights spelling out “Season’s Greetings.”
No surprise, this message will never mean the same to me again. Instead of silver bells, Santa Claus, and wishes of good cheer, “Season’s Greetings” has now become a clear and present reminder of how North American citizens are losing their civil rights and democratic freedoms.
Remember that debate about whether we should say “Merry Christmas,” “Season’s Greetings,” or “Happy Holidays” in our, yes, I’m going to say it, Christmas cards? I used to get annoyed with this debate, thinking there were bigger fish to fry, like poverty and climate change to name a few. Now I long for those good old days when the wording of our holiday greeting was a big deal, instead of the whopper of a problem we’ve got now. What a difference a day makes, eh?
That day was November 24, 2014, when the Grand Jury issued the “no charge” verdict in favour of Darren Wilson, a white police officer who, while on duty, had shot and killed Michael Brown, a black teenager. Whether you agree with the Grand Jury decision or not, the way its announcement was handled – with what looked more like a foreign army invasion on US soil instead of police protection – was shocking. Even President Obama made an impassioned plea for protesters to keep things peaceful and for law enforcers to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests.
My biggest question is how did we get to this place? When did it become “normal” for law enforcers to take what seems like militaristic action against peacefully protesting civilians, whether it be a protest against a pipeline or a Grand Jury decision? Shouldn’t those in authority positions be listening to its people instead of throwing tear gas at them, shooting rubber bullets at them, or arresting them? Isn’t listening what we’re all taught as the Golden Rule of communication? Perhaps listening and a commitment to open communication is perceived as a weakness these days even though it’s really one of humanity’s most powerful tools. To prove my point, isn’t it always the peace treaty negotiations that put an end to war and fighting?
I was heartened to recently learn about a US lobby group whose mission it is to promote and advocate for peace. With offices right across the street from Capitol Hill, the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) was founded 71 years ago by Quakers, a religious group known for their dedication to peace, equality, and social justice. Today, the FCNL represents the largest team of peace lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Through the FCNL, the Quakers are working to convince US lawmakers to support legislation that will advance peace and justice, put an end to war, and acknowledge and act upon the moral imperative of climate disruption. In Canada, the Quakers have a Canadian Friends Service Committee that works to bring about its long-term and sustainable vision of the world through peace and service. Whether Quaker or not, we can all support the honorable causes of these organizations by telling our government representatives that we want to pursue peace and social justice, not war and inequality.
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “a riot is the language of the unheard.” Maybe we can put an end to unnecessary violence, and all the heartbreak that goes with it, with the simple and eloquent act of careful and courteous listening. Especially for those who have been silenced, whether due to economic or social reasons, listening is the greatest gift we can give. Plus, it’s the gift that keeps on giving, one that benefits the listener as much as the one being heard.
Now cruelly emblazoned as a symbol of social injustice in my mind’s eye, I say, “Bah, humbug!” to “Season’s Greetings.” However, a sincere and prayerful holiday wish for peace, both at home and abroad—now that’s in our best interest.
For more in your best interest, follow Sheelagh on Twitter @sheesays.
