Walk A Mile In “Their Shoes” To See Life Differently

Conservative Blogger Erick Erickson

America is such a large country that it’s relatively easy for some populations to hide out with “their own kind.”  Our media is so segmented that information can be brought to you by your favorite cable network, blogger or politically affiliated news organization with virtually no connection to the other side.  You don’t have to understand the other side because you don’t have to spend anytime reaching out to them. Unless you’re willing and able to suspend your own judgment and walk a mile in “their shoes.”

Because I live a transparent life and practice diversity wherever I can, I subscribe to conservative bloggers and opinion makers.  One of them is Erick Erickson, a moderate conservative who has written a remarkable commentary on understanding how everyday life activities impacts Blacks and Hispanics.  He starts out by saying,  

“I am writing here about something I know nothing about and, given the demographics of this website, most of you know nothing about. I have witnessed it, but I have not experienced it.” 

The article details the acquittal of the police officer to shot and killed  Philando Castile in an incident all caught on video.

Read the article and share it with your friends and colleagues. The opening paragraph alone is worth a discussion with your staff over a brown bag lunch.  How often do we judge “those people” without ever getting a sense of how they are treated is the essence of Erick’s commentary. 

Then, think about subscribing to a blog, newsletter, or media outlet that has opposing views to your world. Learning first hand how the other side thinks is the first step in diversity and cross-cultural understanding.

Read Erick's Article Here