At Men’s Shed yesterday a robust discussion included sweeping generalisations: All young people today… All immigrants deserve… All who are unemployed should… All religions are…
Later I read of Chuck Colson enabling American politicians to meet prisoners, ‘…changing the stereotyped image of prisoners as evil, violent and dangerous individuals. Some are… but the majority are ordinary, albeit weak and troubled human beings… members of Congress were meeting with human beings they could touch, talk to and often identify with.’
Generalisations aren’t always helpful or true.
The weather’s been a mixture of this week – rain, wind, sunshine and several rainbows.
Rainbows bring many powerful messages. They’re… where dreams come true… a symbol of identity and diversity… a reminder of God’s promises… an amazing property of light and refraction …a source of wonder and beauty.
Above all, rainbows are inclusive. A heart, a brain and courage can be found by all… there’s a place for and value in everyone… God’s promises are for all… awe and wonder at natural beauty is for everybody.
When I was teaching certain generalisations were helpful. All children deserve respect and care… have the potential to be amazing… can mess up… should have a broad and balanced education…
Whenever I entered a classroom, I was immediately aware of individual differences and the need for all to be included. Less able students needed extra support, high-flyers needed their knowledge and skills extending, the boisterous and easily distracted needed keeping on task… and the quiet, middle-of-the-road, undemanding, needed care and recognition.
This morning I read of Jesus people-watching in the temple. The rich, religious and well-known were easy to notice. They threw large amounts of money in the collection box. An insignificant, poor widow slipped two small coins into the box. Jesus deliberately noticed her: ‘All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford…’
So this morning I’m musing on avoiding sweeping generalisations… working inclusion in daily life… and seeking to notice those who slip through the net of both.
malcolmsmusings.org 
I should think any discussion (I hate the use of the word conversation) about religion, migrants or politics can only get heated. They are today’s polemics.
As one of my sons-in-laws is an ex-army officer he has extremely strong opinions about ex-military being homeless, while illegal migrants are possibly going to be shifted from 4 star hotels into ex-military houses. Some would say that the two things aren’t related. I think I agree with my son-in-law, polemical as that may be.
Moving on, your morning’s reading today reminded me of the Co-op checkouts in Bungay. When you go to pay for groceries or fuel in the garage the payment thingie asks if you want to donate 10p. I said it ought to be more, at least 20p. But the cashier said they often have people, both men and women, getting really hostile about it and even swearing at the women.
Julie told me this morning that she had just donated £20 to Shelter. My immediate response was “What does the CEO get?” I then felt extremely guilty, as I still do actually.
Take care and in the words of the greatest songsmith….”Luv and Peace”
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As always it’s good to hear from you, Alan. I think yesterday made me realise again that I’m sensitive to the difference between the ‘sharing-opinions-discussion which emphasises listening and understanding and the telling-you-what-I-think-discussion which emphasises what I think and why I’m right.
And the story? I’ve been thinking it’s about not how much I give, more about how much my giving costs me.
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“Generalisations aren’t always helpful or true” – good point, Malcolm!
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Thanks, Wynne. Perhaps – All bloggers….. ??
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“All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford…’” This statement made me rethink about giving and thank you for reminding us that sometimes we should give until it pains us that we giving what we can’t afford.
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Thank you. It challenged me again too – as I thought about what it is to be generous.
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