We like simple, uncomplicated answers to our problems and conflicts. Ask any politician well versed in our two minute drill, sound bite driven world and they will tell you the same.
Terrorism-- Kill all the terrorists.
Bad Economy- We need new growth.
Global Climate Change- Deny it exists or We stop burning fossil fuels.
Mass Shootings- Stricter gun control, better mental health services or More Guns!
Poor Education- Private schools or more money.
You get the idea. Life is more complicated than catchy slogans and well-polished elevator speeches. The same is true in our everyday lives. We are all too often quick to throw out judgements on others based on how we view their actions. Let's stick to politics for just a moment. Now, this is not a political blog, for the most part. This is to illustrate what I'm talking about.
Voter Apathy- More people should vote.
Bam! End of problem, right? Well, let's see.
Now, here's where the onion come in. Think of a conflict like an onion. What we want to do is peel back the layers (asking why) one by one until we reach the core where we cannot go any deeper. Yes, it may indeed cause tears. So voter apathy.
Layer one- People are lazy.
Why?
Layer two- They don't care.
Why?
Layer three- The would rather do noting to make things better.
Why?
Layer four- Things are more or less okay for them.
Why?
Layer five- Voting is a hassle.
Why?
Politicians don't want it to be too easy.
I'll let you sort out your own view of what may be at the core of this one. Try this when going through a conflict when you have ample time to think it through objectively as possible.
Terrorism-- Kill all the terrorists.
Bad Economy- We need new growth.
Global Climate Change- Deny it exists or We stop burning fossil fuels.
Mass Shootings- Stricter gun control, better mental health services or More Guns!
Poor Education- Private schools or more money.
You get the idea. Life is more complicated than catchy slogans and well-polished elevator speeches. The same is true in our everyday lives. We are all too often quick to throw out judgements on others based on how we view their actions. Let's stick to politics for just a moment. Now, this is not a political blog, for the most part. This is to illustrate what I'm talking about.
Voter Apathy- More people should vote.
Bam! End of problem, right? Well, let's see.
Now, here's where the onion come in. Think of a conflict like an onion. What we want to do is peel back the layers (asking why) one by one until we reach the core where we cannot go any deeper. Yes, it may indeed cause tears. So voter apathy.
Layer one- People are lazy.
Why?
Layer two- They don't care.
Why?
Layer three- The would rather do noting to make things better.
Why?
Layer four- Things are more or less okay for them.
Why?
Layer five- Voting is a hassle.
Why?
Politicians don't want it to be too easy.
I'll let you sort out your own view of what may be at the core of this one. Try this when going through a conflict when you have ample time to think it through objectively as possible.
