As the Insurrection remains fresh in our memories, we look back and ask ourselves how can we as Americans raise our American flag and see its meaning in such different ways? One can raise it in pride and egalitarianism while another uses it as a weapon. A weapon to attempt to harm and kill police and our democracy! How many ways are there to explain why people of the same human race can look at things and see them so vastly different?
Rubin’s Vase, an optical illusion developed by Danish psychologist Edgar Rubin, is a wonderful example of this. You may recall the effect of looking at this object. What you might see is a vase or the two faces. Some see one or the other or both at different times. It is all a matter of perception and neither is right or wrong, merely different.
Does this explain how human beings can see and comprehend things so differently? Does it explain how the Proud Boys and QAnon are so unlike us in their thinking? So angry and resentful and constantly seeking revenge. Does it explain how the Florida governor can order lowering the flag to half-mast for the death of racist Rush Limbaugh? Does it explain why men, like poker face McConnell, created an escape hatch to lead Trump to freedom and avoid a Senate impeachment? Or why so many attending this year’s CPAC meeting literally praised the “last guys” past criminal actions of the Insurrection against our government. Does it explain why, as of 2018, ten states have approved the production of Tea Party “Don’t Tread on Me” specialty license plates?
We ask how one person can see the truth while another spews lies at the same time. We have searched for the answer to all of these – of how hate can replace love so easily. How, when presented with the truth, a person cannot accept it as such and cannot change or adapt to believe it? And how uncontrolled anger can grow from one’s annoyance and displeasure into hostility towards others and the Democratic system? And how a person can be virtually absent of moral courage and unable to face the truth?
As we see it, those of us on the path to peace and social justice on the other hand must continue to work to be the change, to set an example, to listen, and to hopefully inspire others to do the same. Anger, like a fire, will burn out if it is not fed. So, let’s not feed those with this type of anger but rather let’s rob it of oxygen and fuel.
It remains mind-boggling why some humans are wed to being poons and act in foolish and angry ways. There is not a single, simple answer to this question. We can only hope that through our understanding that those who feel disenfranchised will join us in realizing that working together is the real answer and the only answer.
This 4th of July, fly with pride your American flag and continue to sow the truth.
