Of art, allies and the Golden Rule – The News Herald

A universal way of looking at this broken world

I joke about a lot of things in this column. What I wont joke about is the current political and social unrest in America and across the world.

Its overdue, in my personal opinion, and like a medical procedure that has been delayed, its more painful because the infection is systemic. The way its always been doesnt care for the way it could be or should be. Ours is a broken world, and fixing it will require changing the way its always been.

I realize Im writing from a place of privilege. My encounters with police have been few, and the troubling ones resulted from my job as a reporter, not because of the color of my skin.

Im no expert, and I dont pretend to be. This isnt my time to talk. Its my time to listen.

Because of how my brain works, I think of things in the context of art. How is art expressing these times? How are local artists manifesting their emotions?

Local singer Britt Reynolds did a photo shoot recently with photographer Lou Columbus that became a statement on the murder of George Floyd, as well as the innumerable unjust murders of unarmed citizens at the hands of police brutality, she said.

These photos are a form of peaceful protest involving a powerful art form; they share the plea for justice, while condemning the violence being used against peaceful protesters, including deadly rubber bullets and abortifacient tear gas; they encourage all citizens to stand up for what is right, and to condemn police brutality and systemic racism, Reynolds said.

This isnt a new issue, she said, but one that has persisted throughout time. While racial discrimination and police brutality toward black citizens sparked the moment, Reynolds hoped police reform would promote the safety and rights of all people, regardless of race or background.

This art stands for justice and freedom, and we hope our images motivate swift governmental and personal change, she said.

I received this week a list of actions and considerations for being an effective ally that make sense to me. Theyre good advice in any situation where you hope to be an agent for peace and understanding.

First, be aware of and challenge unconscious biases or biased behaviors you may have. Try to be a focused, thoughtful and empathetic listener. Encourage and support differences.

Try to be more open-minded, aware and available to discuss issues and ideas. Invite colleagues with different perspectives to your meetings, lunches and social events.

Know that negative comments about race, gender, religion, disability, orientation, etc. are harmful. Dont see or hear something inappropriate and stay silent. Defend others. Speak up.

Treat all people with dignity and respect. When interacting with those who are different from you, look at the world through their lens. Seek to understand more. Educate yourself. Learn from each other.

When I was growing up, we called this The Golden Rule Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Some form of this exists in every religion and ethical system throughout history, and all of the strategies above stem from that same concept.

One of my favorite versions of this maxim is a proverb from the Yoruba people of Nigeria: One who is going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.

Art helps us do that. Its meant to evoke feeling, to communicate grand ideals that elevate us as humans, to show us other perspectives. Yes, it can and should be used for light entertainment purposes as well, but art that lives on is art that touches hearts in some way. Open yours.

Peace.

Tony Simmons is a writer and editor for The News Herald. His column appears most weeks in the Entertainer.

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Of art, allies and the Golden Rule - The News Herald