Tradition

I’ve been thinking about anger lately, and how there’s just so much of it. From the hate being thrown at Duchess Meghan Markle and Ukraine President Zelenskyy, to degradation of state officials who pass never-been-done-before legislation. Even from my own local elected experience, the anger and hate that arises from even questioning “tradition” has snowballed into genuine concern for mine and my family’s well-being. So much so, that I wonder if I have in fact changed, or maybe just broadened my perspective. I’ve always had a deep interest in the way people think and feel, and an insatiable curiosity for new ideas and the way others see the world. I have always traveled and have lived in so many different places…all with their own traditions and commonalities. “Home” truly is where the heart is, and it can be in many places. My lifestyle has given me a broad perspective on people and places. I’m American without the need to “own it.” What do I mean by that? Maybe just that I’m anything but traditional. And lately, it has made me wonder about tradition in general. 

I feel that this national and even worldwide divide we’re experiencing may be rooted in our need to either be traditional, or not. When we buck the system – or evolve, we often move away from tradition, and sometimes away from others who remain in our earlier mindset. Somehow, it’s not ok for anyone, but our hearts still lead us one way or the other. And if that’s the case for me, for you, for Meghan Markle or President Zelenskyy, then why do we hate each other’s choices SO MUCH? Can’t it be ok to embrace the fairy tale of a Royal Monarchy while also accepting the choices made by a Prince who simply wants something different? Ignoring blatant misogyny for a moment, we live in a free society and I’m certain that we don’t own Prince Harry’s choice to be with Meghan Markle, nor do we own President Zelenskyy’s choice to wear sweat pants in Congress. The fact that we form an opinion on any of these things proves the point that it’s really a sense of tradition at work in our own minds and hearts. 

While racism can never be overestimated, tradition might actually be the deeper more pervasive root to pull. So, I will keep asking my questions, even when I don’t feel entirely safe. I will keep telling you my perspective and I will keep hoping that you’ll share yours. I will keep expecting us to be and do better.