In Common

This week was heavy in numerous ways. I attended a course on Social Role Valorization and now I understand empirically, what life is like and can be like for those who have not worth, no value in our society. It is the roles we play that give us credence in the eyes of the beholder and without valuation, as the economists say, there is no worth. We are governed by a set of laws, naturally. We make distinctions as we perceive our world. Sky is blue with clouds, that person is tall with short hair, that man, the dirty one sitting on the park bench is alone and homeless. We can't help it, it is what we do and with no intention of malice, we categorize, judge, assess and place things in their proper order. Better than, somewhere in-between and the lowest of the low. Can you read this and disagree Dear One? What we do for financial gain, where we live, what we wear, say, think, tell others exactly who we are and where we fit in hierarchically. Moving on up means acquiring the better things in life, the good things that offer creature comfort and afford us the respect of those who see us and are constantly assessing. Sometimes we choose our company based on their status because there is, make no mistake, transference. So this is our nature, empirically validated. Studies have proven what you are reading and Social Role Valorization is about this very thing, that the roles we hold or don't hold in society impact our ability to experience the good things in life, including love, respect, being considered, appreciated, and ultimately valued as a fellow human being. Now lets look at the under belly Dear Reader. There is a great undertone causing undertow. What is valued in our society has been established by the greedy few who perpetuate ideas of what constitute the good life. Wealth, health, youth and prestige. Anyone falling outside of these categories may as well give up and perhaps even, die. Think of it. How often have we wished for the death of someone or heard the phrase "they are better off now" for those who could no longer add value to the lives of others? Burden is a word we use for those who require assistance and care and while we see others as subhuman, may I make the statement that it is because they have been cast in the role of useless and worthless? Look at Steven Hawking. Because of his massive brain power, he has an offering so valuable that he has been preserved for many years in a body that has betrayed him. What if all the people we lay eyes on have the same brilliance awaiting discovery but because we consider them broken and burdensome, we shall never know their true worth? I am not comparing apples to oranges, please understand me. I realize not everyone has the brain power of Steven Hawking. I am saying that the comparisons MUST STOP. We must, it is our duty and responsibility as members of the human race, value each person no matter their current physical, socio economic or emotional state, because bad things happen to all people and one day, it could be brilliant you, a mind trapped in a body that needs some love in order for you to be seen and heard. Or worse yet, it could be your child that you have to fight for to be valued in this biased society. You and I, we can make a difference. Raising the bar for ourselves, the expectations we have for our own accomplishments can also be applied for those we want to see having the good things in life along side us. We can see each human as capable of great things, potential waiting to be actualized. Do you believe that greatness is within the realm of each living being you lay your eyes upon Dear One? I end with a grin as I type. I see you. You have within your being, the planted seeds of greatness that await sunlight and gentle nurturing rain. This, Dear One, is what we all have in common.