Years ago, a wise sage of politics told me, "Where you stand depends on where you sit." This adage holds just as true in Northern Ireland as it does in the States, and perhaps no where more so than in Derry.
In our interactions this week with former combatants, prisoners, and other citizens affected by The Troubles, we're hearing again and again that different people can have different interpretations of history and truth. Maybe that's because truth is so grounded in one's own perception. No one likes to think his or her perspective is narrow-minded, but unless one seeks others' points of view, oftentimes tunnel vision is the result.
The optics of this city provide so many examples of how one's point of view also can be shaped in the literal sense of the word "view." Imagine living in the Bogside neighborhood, where every day the sun rises over a high hill and imposing stone wall that dominate the entire eastern horizon. Or picture living in the Waterside neighborhood, where one of the widest and fastest-flowing rivers in Europe cuts you off from the beautiful, historic city you call home. With such powerful vistas, how could one not grow up feeling somewhat detached, sequestered, or at the very least divided from the other parts of your community?
Seeing things from someone else's viewpoint takes courage. It can mean confronting one's deeply-held beliefs and longstanding prejudices...starting with accepting the truth that one is, in fact, prejudiced. In Derry, the prejudices might be tied to history, or gender, or religious belief, or ethnic heritage. Is this really any different from America?
And if the people of Derry can so admirably begin to confront these demons, if they can seek to understand the point of view of those not of their faction, creed, or other perceived group...can't the people of America do the same? I think it's a responsibility each of us bears.
No comments:
Post a Comment