It all comes down to fear, fear of different, which began as humans started to migrate away from the Cradle of Man in Africa. When a group of immigrants encountered a new group of people, their fears were about being hurt or losing their food stores. Continued evolution caused the human prefrontal cortex to grow and logic and planning became more prominent, yet the fear of being hurt remained. Historically, scared people (who use anger to hide their fear), have committed atrocities that fill the history books. However, as in the laws of physics, for every atrocity that has been committed, there has been an act of love - love just doesn't get as much press.
I've noticed recently that when I've been out for food and I have stopped for a moment for a very foreign looking person with a child to pass by easily and I've smiled - they have smiled back and said thank you in perfect English x
Fortunately, where I live in Toronto, that is how we treat each other. The melting pot is way more interesting than the way it was before. My mother taught me to go out f my way to welcome schoolmates who have come from other countries and my one friend who I met when she moved in across the street 73 years ago is still my friend today. We spent the whole first summer talking, she in French and I in English and somehow we just got each other. I loved her mother, she used to have me for lunch and made wonderful Exotic food that she insisted that I try. Her mother was Hungarian. My friend was born in Palestine, now part of Israel which i found out many years later. Gigi
At the end of the day, we are all people with the same hopes, dreams, fears, needs, as everyone else. As John Lennon said, "Imagine all the people, living life in peace." xx
The culture where I work is to greet everyone with a smile and a hello. It is so ingrained in me that I do it everywhere I go. Unfortunately, sometimes I get snarled at :(. BTW, what's the 411 on the kittens?
I’ve been trying to do as she said. What I’ve noticed is that many younger tech types avoid eye contact,, ignore and do not smile or reply to my hellos. Disappointing but It won’t stop me from greeting them.
She could have been describing Brighton. And now I hear that a Left v Right riot is planned for tomorrow night. Oh dear!
ReplyDeleteA very good thought.
ReplyDeleteIt all comes down to fear, fear of different, which began as humans started to migrate away from the Cradle of Man in Africa. When a group of immigrants encountered a new group of people, their fears were about being hurt or losing their food stores. Continued evolution caused the human prefrontal cortex to grow and logic and planning became more prominent, yet the fear of being hurt remained. Historically, scared people (who use anger to hide their fear), have committed atrocities that fill the history books. However, as in the laws of physics, for every atrocity that has been committed, there has been an act of love - love just doesn't get as much press.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea and a lovely person!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed recently that when I've been out for food and I have stopped for a moment for a very foreign looking person with a child to pass by easily and I've smiled - they have smiled back and said thank you in perfect English x
ReplyDeleteCareful flis, your words can be misinterpreted.
DeleteHow do you think YOU look to that "foreign looking person"?
I am dual nationality myself don't you know x
DeleteThat didn't answer the question.
DeleteKeep on answering anon comments, it reveals a lot. Just how many times do you return to the same post every day on this blog?
Let us not be afraid of "the other". We are all just earthlings and this is the little planet that we share.
ReplyDeleteIt should be played on international platforms everywhere. I think I'd like to share it too.
ReplyDeleteThe simple French custom of boujour, goes a long way to show that we are not a threat to one another.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, where I live in Toronto, that is how we treat each other. The melting pot is way more interesting than the way it was before. My mother taught me to go out f my way to welcome schoolmates who have come from other countries and my one friend who I met when she moved in across the street 73 years ago is still my friend today. We spent the whole first summer talking, she in French and I in English and somehow we just got each other. I loved her mother, she used to have me for lunch and made wonderful Exotic food that she insisted that I try. Her mother was Hungarian. My friend was born in Palestine, now part of Israel which i found out many years later. Gigi
ReplyDeleteIt is a good idea at any time...
ReplyDeleteThat is one lovely person.
Thankyou xx
How well expressed. I'm a greeter (for want of a better word) and it's led to countless interesting conversations.
ReplyDeleteLovely lady. I wonder how many people smile back because they think she's a doctor? (Holby City actress!)
ReplyDeleteStage name Catherine Russell, she is the daughter of 'Mr Rumbold' of Are You Being Served, which I didn' t know before.
DeleteShe’s hot!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd very kind
Lee
At the end of the day, we are all people with the same hopes, dreams, fears, needs, as everyone else. As John Lennon said, "Imagine all the people, living life in peace." xx
ReplyDeleteAs she said, the important part is not the different looking bit but the people bit.
ReplyDeleteTo "them" we are "other" except there is no "other" - there is just all of us.
ReplyDeleteA simple smile goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever and warm-hearted idea. Did they all smile back, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteThe culture where I work is to greet everyone with a smile and a hello. It is so ingrained in me that I do it everywhere I go. Unfortunately, sometimes I get snarled at :(.
ReplyDeleteBTW, what's the 411 on the kittens?
I’ve been trying to do as she said. What I’ve noticed is that many younger tech types avoid eye contact,, ignore and do not smile or reply to my hellos. Disappointing but It won’t stop me from greeting them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good person she is. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks . Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJust what sane people need to post xx
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thank you for sharing. Lynn Ewing USA
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that. It provides a way forward, and I'm very grateful
ReplyDelete