The following emails are in response to Global Ripple Effect. They’ve been slightly edited for readability.
From Julian R.
I’d like to share some thoughts on the topic. These are just my reflections, so feel free to take them as part of an ongoing conversation.
First off, I’m not quite ready to label shame, rejection, guilt, denial, or even repression as inherently negative. There have been times in my life where shame or rejection, for example, have led to positive changes. I understand you’re talking about “unresolved issues,” so I think we’re somewhat on the same page.
The things you mentioned as wounds have likely been part of human societies throughout history, perhaps used to foster group cohesion or serve the greater good of small communities. This makes me wonder if the issue is one of scale—what works in smaller groups may wound in larger, globalized societies.
Perhaps connection and meaning are the antidotes that transform these wounds into opportunities for growth, while disconnection and meaninglessness act as poisons. Both of these are increasingly prevalent in modern society, which might explain why the wounds you’re discussing are harder to heal or integrate.
Regarding your statements like “X leads to Y,” it seems you’re advocating for treating individual wounds to affect broader societal outcomes. I think that’s a worthwhile aim.
Sean M.
I hope you are well. I’m going to sit down with this and flesh out my thoughts more fully. I’ll need to spend some time thinking about it and re-reading.
I had some initial thoughts that I wanted to share.
I think this perspective has a lot of truth to it. If everyone were to address their internal issues, we would have a much better world. It would be an entirely different place. Even small steps to address our internal issues could have big, positive consequences.
One of the biggest challenges, I think, is untangling everything and everyone. Addressing your internal issues often involves other people or external events. Damage will continue to occur despite your best efforts to do your own personal work, since isolation isn’t realistic. I think the idea is that if everyone does what they can within their control, things will improve, but I struggle with how this plays out in reality. Maybe, as everyone makes progress, we stop interfering with each other so much, become less affected by external events, and create a positive feedback loop.
Another thought, which is less direct but ties in, I think, relates to money and inequality. In a democratic society where the state is supposed to have a monopoly on violence, money seems to be the accepted way to assert dominance (not the best word, but I can’t think of a better one). For most people, it’s how they provide safety, security, and opportunity for their families. I don’t need to be the strongest or have the largest group to be secure—I just need the most money. All that to say, I think money ties in with violence. I know you acknowledged it’s a framework that requires simplification, but I think it’s worth exploring.
Like I said, I’ll need to chew on all of this! It’s very thought-provoking—thanks!
Dylan R.
As always, I really enjoy your articles. They are very thought-provoking. I could speak personally about the six attributes you discussed, but instead, I thought I’d briefly share my views from a societal perspective. This is partly because I live in isolation much of the time and don’t regularly participate in social media. I have accounts on a few platforms, but I don’t keep them easily accessible due to their addictive nature. Also, I haven’t owned a television in probably two and a half decades.
Television, media, and especially social media prey on the vulnerabilities of people of all ages. They offer weak, empty indulgences and easy escapism, much like any other addiction. But, like alcohol, cigarettes, or cannabis products, they are legal, widespread, and often encouraged depending on the social circles you’re in.
TV programming used to be fictional storytelling, fun game shows, and then the evening news, which seemed to have more class and integrity. Reality TV and social media have introduced more deception, encouraging weak, undeveloped opinions and assumptions. Now, everyone feels entitled to judge, even if they haven’t earned that right.
Global affairs and politics have become the new game show, with this escapism turning into reality. I’ve seen people who are consumed by these outlets smile and laugh during critical times when we should be taking things much more seriously.
If you’ve experienced real fear, extreme loneliness, separation, addiction, guilt, shame, or repression, it’s imperative to find healthy, meaningful outlets away from the easy indulgences. Hard work pays off. Hard work that you’re passionate about, that’s effective and positive, is so meaningful. I think the answer lies in moving away from media outlets and, for lack of a better term, going a bit more “old school” than we do today.
Let’s work hard, be accountable to ourselves and our communities, and demand better platforms, responsible media coverage, and healthy, responsible outlets in general.
Life is hard for everyone. Everyone has their story, and it’s constantly developing as time goes on. There’s a constant artificial push to catapult forward, and in doing so, we’re losing touch with who we are and where we are right now, in this very moment. What’s real, and what should be real? Who is truly being themselves, and who is living vicariously through others and the absurd characters they’ve become?
Mother Nature and world affairs are constantly speaking to us. Have we forgotten how to listen and respond appropriately?ill cite your reference (if you’re ok with that) for a larger publication to come.
…And thanks to Chris C. who always has me thinking.
Jeff Depatie, Chief Course Architect