Change is Possible, But it starts with Us / A.J. Hendry
Inequality exists within our nation. It will be sustained for as long as we ignore its existence.
Earlier last week I was processing referrals for the service that I work for. I work for an organization that supports young people who for one reason or another are in need of extra support.
For the most part they were children. Some 16, others 17 years old.
Each referral was a story of a person in need. And each story contained a record of our society’s failure to look after our own. A record of childhood trauma, poverty, abuse.
I’m sure many reading these words today would share the outrage I felt reading the stories contained within those referrals. Outrage at the suffering which our children have had to endure. Outrage that for all our attempts at combating poverty and child abuse in this nation, that we have not done enough. That we have failed.
And the result…
A generation who are lost. Children, who have now become adults, yet who are still just trying to survive. And, when that attempt at survival shows up in behaviour which our society does not accept, then all to suddenly that outrage at our failure to prevent the victimisation of our children, turns to contempt towards the adult that victimisation produced.
You see the man who last week was charged for abusing a child, was likely himself a child who was abused. That woman who we judge for putting her addiction before her kids, was herself just a girl who learnt to survive through the comfort of a bottle.
Inequality is sustained through silence.
Injustice is allowed to continue due to inaction.
Our government will not take the necessary steps to address inequality in this nation because put plainly they are hard steps to take. The changes needed are difficult, and they will cost us. Until we show them that we care more than they do, than these stories will remain unchanged.
For if we do not care about inequality enough to address it when faced with it in our own lives and in our own communities, then there is little chance the government will.
If we want to end inequality in this nation than it starts with us. It starts with us challenging stereotypes when we come across them. Whether that be in our conversations at work with colleagues, friends or even ourselves. It means speaking up when we hear someone talk down about another person or minority group.
So, if your someone whose really into social action than yea go out there, petition your local MP, write to your local councilperson, vote and vote again. But, don’t expect the government to do something you’re not prepared to do yourself.
I truly believe that change is possible. We do not have to accept the overwhelming statistics of child abuse, addiction and suicide which exist in this country.
But, if we truly want to see change, then it starts with you and me. And I don’t just mean in what we do. Action is important, but sometimes action is the last step. If you think to yourself that you wouldn’t know how to start even if you wanted to. Than start small. Take good ole MJ’s advice and start with “looking at the person in the mirror”.
Examine yourself. Examine the way you feel when you see a group of young people lounging around on a street corner. Pay attention to what you think when you see an old man passed out on Queen street as a result of his latest high. Take note of how you react the next time you hear someone dismiss people’s stories by labelling them simply “irresponsible,” “lazy” “entitled” “bludgers”.
Behind every self-destructive behaviour is a story. A story of brokenness, trauma, disconnection or neglect. A story of a child who at some point in their lives has felt forgotten and alone.
Before you are tempted to judge the adults they have become, take a moment to remember.
Their story is unknown to me, show grace, give mercy, share love…
Aaron Hendry