I have been thinking a lot about this political chaos we have going on in America today… and I continuously argue with myself as to whether I should refer to it in my blog, or not.
It is a main topic of concern now days, and I somehow believe that the POWER of ART can help this situation.
It has been said that we are either Republican OR Democrat…It’s BLACK OR WHITE.
Well, I don’t agree. There is a lot of gray area between black and white.
And all of a sudden, BINGO, I remember a lesson I taught at Remuda Ranch that helped my students/clients/patients to understand the concept of GRAY-AREA.
In my memoir “Forgetting to Fly” (pg. 155) and in my book “Art with a Purpose” (pg. 44)
I refer to this art lesson in order to visualize where my student is, right then, in a certain situation.
For example: I ask “How angry were you when your friend stole your lunch?” (their answer #9).
“Is that appropriate for the situation?” (maybe not.) “What would have been a more suitable level of anger?” (# 3).
This person may have anger management issues and the gray-scale is a good way for them to see it.
Another example: “How angry were you when your dad abused you?” (answer #1). “Now that you understand more clearly, what is a more appropriate level? (#10).
This person probably stuffs their anger and through this visual can see it’s not working for them.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Democrat…………………………………………………………………..Republican
For this “partisan” example:
If your view is completely and unconditionally democratic you would be #1 on the gray scale.
If your view is completely and unconditionally republican you would be #10 on the gray scale.
These are extremes and most people fall somewhere in the “gray area”. If you consider yourself a #1 or a #10 chances are you are quite naive (no offence) because it’s impossible to agree with anyone, all the time, especially politicians, because they have so many different issues to cover.
I get extremely offended when anyone puts me into a political category because I am usually a #4 to a #7 on many issues. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I can be a #1 or a #10 on some topics, but not many.
So, why am I telling you all this?
Because I believe this GREAT DIVIDE can and should be understood through the power of visuals.
We all are on a sliding scale and I, personally, am offended when labeled a Democrat or a Republican. Labeled ANYTHING for that matter.
Bottom line: No 2 people think alike all the time.
My hope: We all can be respected for what and how we believe, no matter where it is on the gray-scale.
PS. I suggest you print out the gray-scale to help resolve the nation’s Black & White thinking.
Maybe you will even discover that YOU think this way… God forbid.
