Hope for Humanity
Day 16 of Project 21 Days of Hope
The past few days, weeks, months have been hard for all of us. And this is not even about the pandemic.
Hate, violence, murder and mayhem have been the prevailing themes. There is hatred, racism, xenophobia and communalism every where we look.
Humanity seems to be in tatters. Compassion, empathy, kindness and basic decency are all in short supply. In times like these, where is the hope?
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ~ Mr. Rogers
This quote by Mr. Rogers is often cited as a source of endless hope in the midst of the darkest times.
Scores of people are on the streets today across the United States demanding accountability, and an end to mindless bloodshed based on nothing but ingrained racism and the fear of the other. Back here in India, there is a vast number of people including activists and students who have not only been fighting for the rights of the minorities and the underprivileged against a mounting communal propaganda but have also gloriously risen to the occasion during the ongoing humanitarian migrant crisis in the country. Common people are on the streets helping their fellow citizens get home and providing them with food and shelter.
Everywhere, people are donating, protesting, volunteering, and helping.
The darkness is unprecedented. But so is the pursuit of light, of humanity, of kindness that we are seeing all around us. Humans everywhere haven’t entirely given up on their humanity. They continue to fight.
And that gives me hope. That should give us all hope.
But we also ought to remember that Mr. Rogers was talking to the kids. And the helpers he was referring to were adults like you and me.
It is us who are the light of hope in Mr. Rogers’ words. Let’s not let our kids down.
Until next time
Be the light of hope!
