Reflections

Reflections The Power of Suggestion By Jane Offer

There is a great social movement, based on the idea of being inclusive. Millions of dollars are spent in research and planning ideal ways to ensure the various sections and subsections of the community are treated in an inclusive manner. It appears that in the workplace, schools and society at large, there is a plethora of politically correct directives, which are constantly shifting to accommodate the speed at which our community is changing.

“There is a great social movement, based on the idea of being inclusive.”

However, over the past months, the meaning of ‘inclusive’ has changed and appears to mean ‘defer and agree, otherwise, you are wrong’. Certain choices have rendered a vast number of the population to be excluded from even the very core of their life, their family. Anger and outrage have abounded on both sides, yet, from their individual standpoints, they both feel they are correct.

This raised emotional state, whether idealistic or from a fear-based aggressive stance, creates emotional responses that are triggered in the heat of the moment. Unfortunately, self-righteous outrage allows no time for reflection. Let’s face it; it is difficult enough to hear our own inner voice, so it can be almost impossible to find it when being harangued by a person’s words with which one vehemently disagrees. The result: neither listening to the other, neither agreeing with the other, nor allowing the other to cut across their own views for fear of being seen as wrong.

Our impulse to reduce opposing viewpoints to nothing, often feels justified and that justification is sought wherever it can be found. After all, why would we want to check our own ideas against logic or compassion when others validate us through similar thinking?

There is no space allowed to discuss and share or come to the idea that maybe both are correct in their own beliefs. So, the slightest collective reinforcement redoubles the outrage, whether on Facebook, Twitter or from our group of like-minded people.

This can be dangerous territory and will, without fail, lead to one section or another of society being vilified or oppressed. A situation is often created through hearsay, lack of information or understanding of another’s views and choices, based on life experiences from both sides.

How often have we fallen under the influence of others’ beliefs simply because we just wanted to fit in or be seen as ‘one of the guys’? In our youth, this approach is all too familiar, as no one wishes to stand out from the crowd or run the risk of ridicule or, worse still, rejection. We choose to believe what we are told rather than think it

“Unfortunately, self-righteous outrage allows no time for reflection.”

through, often believing stories about another that we know in our hearts are false. Yet we go along with it.

As we generate an attitude of compassion and tolerance, we become tired of the game and aspire to live life to our own beat in the best way we can. We learn it is better to think first and act later, to listen to our gut feelings and to disregard information that does not sit well with us.

This story, told by Senator Gerard Rennick*, graphically illustrates these dilemmas and gives us pause for thought.

“One of my friends told me about a powerful lesson in her daughter’s High School class. They’re learning about the Salem Witch Trials and their teacher told them they were going to play a game. “I will come around and whisper to each of you whether or not you are a witch. Your goal is to build the largest group possible that does not have a witch in it. In the end, any group found to include a witch will receive a failing grade.”

The teens dove into grilling each other. One fairly large group formed; however, most of the students broke into small, exclusive groups, turning away anyone they thought gave off even a hint of guilt.

“Okay,” the teacher said. “You’ve got your groups. Time to find out which ones fail. All witches, please raise your hands.”

No one raised a hand.

The kids were confused and told the teacher he’d messed up the game.

“Did I? Was anyone in Salem an actual witch? Or did everyone just believe what they’d been told?” And that is how easy it is to divide and control the thinking of an individual, a group or a community by simply shunning, scapegoating and dividing.

“We learn it is better to think first and act later, to listen to our gut feelings and to disregard information that does not sit well with us.”

Note:

Gerard Rennick has been an Australian politician and a Senator for Queensland since July 2019. He is a member of the Liberal National Party of Queensland and sits with the Liberal Party in the federal parliament. Doubtless, his thought process for this story had a more specific focus, yet it also serves a broader purpose. Its inclusion does not indicate a political bias of either the writer or the Magazine.

Jane Offer M.Msc is available for individual and couple counselling, Soul Mastery readings and facilitates classes/workshops on many metaphysical subjects. Please ring for an appointment 0431 168 027. NDIS clients are welcome.

Image Credit: Pixabay