There is degradation in an isolated system. When two objects collide, the energy available for more work is lessened. Momentum is compromised. But in an open system, this same collision exchanges any conserved energy with its surroundings. Mass may enter or leave the system and external forces may influence the system, and this is a good thing.This physics phenomenon applies to not only objects in motion, but ideas and information as well. When verbal collisions occur, dialogue both argumentative and acceding, there is a level of commerce, a network of correspondence that permeates through the trade route. Like the spices of Morocco reaching the far shores of New York City. Information has a path, a purpose. If we close our doors and isolate ourselves, we become limited in our thinking.
Narrow mindedness will prevail over avoidance. We need to purge misinformation, skim off the excess, the weight of ulterior motives and deception. But we can only do this if we step outside our protective bubble. We follow certain people, we know have similar mindsets. We read the news from sources we deem credible. We ignore the banter of those we believe to be hypocrites and liars. But, is this healthy? We may disagree. We may find the words of dissidents and nonconformists offensive and inappropriate, but maybe if we listen, objectively, we might catch a glimpse as to their motives. As humans, we do not act out and speak violently when we are happy. We become discordant when we feel oppressed and forgotten.
This is not to say that some people are disrespectful and dangerous and that we should stay clear of them. But, I believe humans become disturbed and what some call 'monsters' because somewhere along the way, they were isolated, traumatized or pushed to their limit. When we disengage from them they spiral out even more. When we segregate and insulate we may feel we have quarantined the behavior, but we have merely redirected it. I have heard many many teachers recently, fall into this trap. They say 'this child is a lost cause." or "it is not my fault, my students are not doing the work." But if these teachers stopped the blame game and listened and observed what was truly happening, they would see that these children they are teaching, are victims. Victims in that they may be unaware of the deception. Not un-empowered, or weak, but they must face challenges we are not even aware of. Victims of a social network both distracting and demeaning. Victims of low expectations. Victims of labeling and categorization. Victims that can endure and overcome, if we help elevate them.
Verbal collisions are necessary. Degradation occurs in a closed system. Elevation, admiration, approval, morality, esteem can only happen in an open one. Discourse is one thing. Argumentation and debate is another. We can not shy away from what makes us uncomfortable. We have to accept that we are not perfect as a society. We say there is discrimination, prejudice, inequality but we often avoid the collision with reality, that we have to actively do something about it. We have to become participants in the movement to improve the lives of others.
We must exit our personal vehicles and enter the subway of social causes. Public transportation (dialogue) may be crowded but it is an Uber or taxi that isolates us from the rest of the world. Buy a ticket, walk through the turnstile and enter the masses. This is when true change can happen.
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