As a therapist, we are trained to be culturally aware and to provide services and support to people of all walks of life. While I have always prided myself on being able to empathize with others, today I faced a challenge. You always think that things happening in the world are too far away to fully impact you or your community. When those things are on your front door, it is harder to give the generic response. It becomes personal. In counseling, we are trained to be objective and to look in from the outside, but it is nearly impossible to not have an opinion or feeling when faced with this type of situation.
Recently, an African American man was shot by a police officer. He passed away from his injuries. The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear and there are discrepancies and rumors. While this man’s family and friends mourn his passing, an officer and his family are faced with the same struggles of figuring out how to move forward. What is clear, an unfortunate event happened where the lives of many were changed dramatically and as a result, more parents are forced to tell their children how to react when faced with police and people in authority. (Disclaimer: I am not saying what is right or wrong and who should be punished, I am simply reporting facts on an event that triggered the following situation).
Today, I supported a mother in telling her children how to address officers and others in authority. To look into their sweet, young faces and tell them that there are people who will see their color and differences as a threat, broke my heart. They are babies. When will the hate we spread stop? It should not be alright in this world for a parent to have to teach their child hate, in an effort to protect them. We’re teaching them that other people spread hate, and therefore they must learn how to act and how to react when faced with certain situations. It’s no longer a matter of simply teaching manners. Yes ma’am, no sir etc. It’s about telling them that if they don’t show the utmost respect and have clear body language, that they could fall victim to these situations.
Today was a lesson in learning that sometimes, all the positive thinking and use of coping skills, will not protect you from all things. However, it was also a lesson that we can support each other, no matter our race, our backgrounds, our differences. We can stand as one against injustice and provide hope and support to our fellow human in their time of need. It’s time to embrace our imperfections and celebrate the beauty in everyone. ~Wabi Sabi~
Wabi Sabi Counseling 