The power to make a change
When I first heard Donald Trump was voted as the president-elect of the United States (in 2016), I had the same feeling as I had when the news of Brexit broke. I was angry. The anger then turned to sadness. America, like Britain is divided.
What this vote and that of Brexit signifies is the deep resentment of a nation divided by economic and societal disparity. What also followed after the referendum was the rise of hate crimes against ethnic monitories and migrants. As a proud Brit and a daughter of Indian migrant parents, what I believe makes us unique is our rich tradition of multiculturalism.
As children we are naturally inquisitive, instead of fearing the unknown we ask questions. Why does this change as we grow older? How many of us have decided to fight fear with love? Fear, greed, hate are all within us but we are also loving, caring and compassionate human beings. I am reminded of this when a friend recently helped an elderly lady take her shopping bags home for her. As she carried these heavy bags she listened to her story. She was struggling but was reluctant to ask for help. A connection was made as my friend realised that knowing when you are struggling is sometimes hard to recognise, but accepting help when it is offered can make a difference.
Simple acts of kindness and a chance to really listen to one another is the first step towards healing a divided society. We may have different approaches to politics, but deep down we have more in common that you think. We all have the power to make a change.
Davina Patel is Head of Communications and Marketing with Initiatives of Change UK.
NOTE: Individuals of many cultures, nationalities, religions, and beliefs are actively involved with Initiatives of Change. These commentaries represent the views of the writer and not necessarily those of Initiatives of Change as a whole.
Profile photo by Daniel Cook
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