Contributed by Jamie L. Burton
The commotion, setbacks and distress of our current times are all too evident. Alaska may be geographically isolated, but this has not insulated us from the political, economic, social and health crises that have dominated headlines in 2020. Every Alaskan has been impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic and the interventions taken to try and minimize the spread of the virus. These critical events and their impact on the economy and health of Alaskans are compounded by the uncertainty of Alaska’s fiscal situation.
Persistent low oil prices and deficit spending have drained Alaska’s savings and leave us facing an estimated 2.3 billion dollar shortfall for the upcoming year. Cuts to ferries, post-secondary education, health services and the PFD have caused disputes and conflicts. The 2020 tourism season was non-existent, and businesses across the state face impossible decisions and closures. Fishermen faced increased costs and decreased prices for their fish; many were lucky to break even. To say our economy is struggling is an understatement of epic proportions. These difficulties have led to passionate discussions and sometimes heated arguments with no clear, obvious solutions.
In addition to our economic struggles, 2020 has been marked by significant civil unrest and social discord. The deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others drew significant attention and led to protests throughout the country. These protests and the movement they are part of, are but one chapter in the history of race in America. People across the country, including Alaska, argue about the nuance of various phrases: black lives matter, all lives matter, blue lives matter, white fragility, systemic racism are just a few of these phrases. Protests have occurred which were peaceful and others have turned violent and destructive. The ongoing struggle has created division, distrust, and has led to ongoing contention.
Society is struggling to find solutions that balance justice, freedom, opportunity, equity and progress, there are different ideas and philosophies. These ideas compete with each other for time, resources, attention, and support. People choose sides, draw figurative lines in the sand, spout rhetoric, share memes and contend with each other in efforts to persuade others to their views. Our elected officials, political candidates and media openly deride each other and those who have different views. Unfriending, snoozing and ignoring have new meanings, and when applied create echo chambers where we can hear only those voices that agree with us. Politicians frequently lead the way by mud-slinging and attacking their opponents instead of focusing on the merit of the ideas being represented.
How do we build unity in a time with such divisive forces? Apathy, callousness, and indifference lead to division, contention, hatred and violence. Can we heal from these social wounds, or have we crossed a line and it is now too late?
I believe and hope that we can still find ways to build community. To achieve such an end, apathy must give way to empathy. Callousness must yield to compassion. Indifference must become caring. Contention must become peace. Hatred to love and violence to gentleness. Pride must turn to humility. Those are nice, contrasting phrases that come across like platitudes and lacking in practical application. What realistic steps can we take to actually build unity and implement these ideals?
I believe that the first step to building a better community for all of us, starts with individuals and families. Each individual must ask, “What is in my heart?” Honest introspection will help us see our own personal beliefs and values and how they impact our actions. Let us focus on the fundamental things in which we believe. They will lead us to advocate for and serve others, show love, and act kindly. If it is not in our heart to embrace others and their diverse thoughts and opinions, we must be brave enough to admit our deficiency and take action to change.
Do we listen to the opinions of others with the goal of understanding or with the goal of refuting them and dominating the conversation? If we are not not listening to understand we won’t be able to envision a different perspective, let alone empathize with those who have a different life experience that influences how they see the world.
Do we want to exchange ideas in search of solutions that protect freedom and help people lift themselves out of poor circumstances, or do we want to win an argument, or score political points with our like-minded friend?. In your mind, or even better with a trusted friend, try arguing the contrasting view to the one you hold. Read and listen to diverse people and ideas so you can understand their views. This doesn’t mean you have to change what you think, but it will lead to honest discussions about ideas instead of rhetoric.
Second, we must be humble and willing to grow. None of us is perfect. I know that I have made many mistakes and have been impacted by the mistakes of others. Rather than hoping for justice upon those who have wronged me. I hope for mercy and kindness from those I have hurt. I am grateful to those who forgive and see me as a person struggling to improve myself as I strive to treat others similarly.
One of my former students taught me about “generous assumptions”. When someone does something you don’t understand, you disagree with, or that harms you, assume they had good intentions and things didn’t work out as they planned. This doesn’t mean that we must allow people to take advantage of us, but it does give people the benefit of the doubt, and fosters trust and compassion.
We can all reflect on our beliefs and ideals, sincerely listen to the views of others, act with humility, treat others with compassion and empathy, and make generous assumptions. This will build trust. Trust allows us to work together, take risks, compromise, and find solutions. This is how we build unity instead of division. It is my hope that all of us in our community can strive to build a better community and work together to find ways to balance our budget, eliminate division, and treat each other with respect.
Expect this of ourselves and those we choose to lead us.
Jamin Burton is a teacher at Colony High School and is a candidate for Alaska State House in District 7.
