Let’s All Get Dirty Together in the Big Sandbox
Let’s All Get Dirty Together in the Big Sandbox
Imagine this – a country where we let go of identity politics and the rigid attachment to labels such as socialism, capitalism, free market, welfare state, entitlements, big government, small government, woke, anti-woke, immigration, open border. What would our communities look like if we stopped with these terms and the divisions they create?
Instead of allowing these political and economic identities to shape our relationships and decisions, we could turn our attention to what truly matters: caring for our neighbors and considering the long-term future of our planet. This shift would encourage us to see one another not as members of opposing groups, but as individuals working together for the common good. By placing empathy and cooperation over ideology, we could build a more compassionate and unified society.
Most problems in the United States are much deeper rooted than any of us would like to admit. These are problems that repeat themselves generation after generation. We tend to blame politics, technology and even the economy, but the truth is, our problems are mostly rooted in fear, dehumanization, tribalism, misinformation, loneliness, inequality and LEADERS THAT EXPLOIT THEM ALL. Until we heal these deeper issues policy changes won’t make much difference.
We are all aware of the constant rhetoric and manipulation coming out of Washington. These tactics have become so familiar that they almost blend into the background of our national discourse. However, rather than dwelling on the actions and words of our leaders, I would like to redirect our attention. The primary focus should not be on the politicians or their manipulation, but instead on us—We, the People. It is within our power, as citizens, to foster genuine concern and commitment toward one another.
I would like to focus on what I see as the root level issues we are facing in America. As you read through this section, I encourage you to reflect deeply and honestly. We are either perpetuating or healing these core problems, and it is important to take an individual inventory of how we might be contributing to the spread of these underlying challenges that affect our nation. I will commit to the same.
From what I can see, fear is our biggest hurdle. It makes people smaller, harder, angrier, and more suspicious. It keeps America from being what she could be. Fear is devastating on many fronts. The first thing it does is shuts down empathy. Fear says, “protect yourself”, “people are out to get you”, and “you don’t have enough”. When people are afraid, they stop thinking about others, the poor, the homeless, and those around us.
One thing we are all guilty of is clinging to our tribes and labels. These become identities and loyalties, at times, replacing our moral thinking. Fear drives us into our rigid groups: Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, Christian Nationalist, and progressive. Fear sometimes overrides facts. When we are afraid it is sometimes difficult to process rationally. Sometimes, instead of asking “is this true”, we ask, “does this make me feel safer”.
Fear can even make otherwise rational people, justify cruelty. When people feel threatened, they will excuse a lot. For example, when people are afraid, they can excuse harsh policies, dehumanize, defend leaders who promise protection, and support violence if it makes them feel safer. Fear absolutely can destroy relationships. Families stop speaking, friendships are broken, and churches split. Not because of theology but because of politics. Fear puts most of us in fight mode. It can create aggression, outrage, blaming others, and defensiveness. Basically, we mistake anger for strength.
Perhaps the most obvious response to fear today is that it seems to be crippling moral courage. I don’t know, it seems that people know something is very wrong, but fear keeps them from speaking up. I am not sure exactly what they fear by not speaking out, but I would guess it would be losing friends, upsetting their church, or being called “unpatriotic”. It seems, in many instances, that fear has replaced moral conviction.
Let’s talk for a moment about our politicians, our media, and our influencers. They KNOW that fear sells and they all sell it. We are all being emotionally manipulated for profit. We have been sold the threat of invasions, takeovers, replacement, and “their coming for our rights”.
Most important, fear keeps us from seeing the image of God in others and makes people who know better forget the teachings of Jesus. Fear pushes us all towards self-protection over sacrifice, nationalism over neighborly love, vengeance over mercy, and comfort over compassion. As Americans we have given up our self- awareness.
Let’s revisit those economic and government terms—socialism, capitalism, free market, welfare state, entitlements, big government, small government, woke, anti-woke, immigration, open border. Imagine, just for a moment, that we all woke up one day with complete amnesia regarding these words and the divisions they represent. What if, stripped of these labels and preconceived notions, —We the People—chose instead to approach life as if we were all children learning to share and cooperate in one big sandbox?
In this imagined world, our focus would shift from defending ideologies to uplifting one another. We would help, encourage, and strive to do what is right for everyone. Simple, fundamental questions would guide our actions: Why can’t everyone have access to free medical care? Why can’t there be abundant food for all? Why can’t every person have a roof over their head? These are not unattainable dreams—they are possibilities within our reach.
Yet, the reality is that we have allowed our loyalties to ingrained beliefs, our fears of scarcity, our sometimes self-serving interpretations of faith, and our confirmation biases to shape a world filled with anger, hatred, and mistrust. These forces continue to keep us divided, preventing us from embracing the shared humanity and collective responsibility that could lead to a more just and compassionate society. Let’s do this!
With love,
Diane
