Uncommon Sense

I am guilty of many things in life. As I get older I have become more aware that I have been wrong in my thinking and have forced myself to change. This is our job, Right??
I am sure you have all read at least one post on Social Media that begs the question "What were they thinking?" The overall social ineptness of a statement meant to be the proverbial middle finger to society. The post that narrowly classifies the owner of said opinion into a rather self elite group of individuals with the same concepts and views. Later we then view the action of others and beg the question "Do they have any Common Sense?" And when these Statement, actions and posts are questioned, the more common answer is "I don't care what other people think!" "It is my life and I will do what I want.". While I can certainly plead guilty to both of these statements I have to question the cost?

I am certainly not the first person to try and forge his own path through this world. Nor will I be the last. I have, however come to the realization that people like me sometimes forget to empathize with those around us. We often alienate our peers and neighbors by being "Uncommon" in our voice. Lets take for instance a very controversial subject like "Black Lives Matter". While I have many African American friends and understand the need to culturally reiterate history and confront the wrongs of another. I have to also question "Why am I shamed for being white when I never owned a slave or been that person?". Why am I too blankly be a supporter of your movement even if I do not see eye to eye with your stance? Furthermore if I question your motives I am a racist and now the target of a rather large group of angry people.

When we as individuals of a societal whole begin to classify ourselves and forget to see the world around us we become Narrow in our thoughts. It is my job as a part of society to empathize with my fellow Americans both Black and White; Yellow, Brown or otherwise. When we become Narrow in our thought we become Uncommon. Therefore the thought of Common Sense goes out the window. Too often I am challenged to see more of people and in return I have allowed myself to be able to empathize and help gain an understanding of where they are and why they may be saying such things. If we do not open ourselves up to understanding our neighbors than we are stigmatizing ourselves into the proverbial box.

Yes, stupid people exist! However, I do not think stupid stays stupid if we are willing to challenge it appropriately. With so many people having a mindset of "It's my life I will live it how I want!" Common sense begins to be Uncommon in respect to society as a whole. Look, I love you guys and respect the diversity I have in the people I call friends and family. And while this isn't meant to target any one person it is meant to challenge our thought process as a whole. MINE included! Yes it is your life and yes you are free to live it how you want, but I have to ask. How happy are you living in that BOX??