Are we becoming more American?

LETTERS

Can we really see ourselves, how we Canadians act, how we fail to carefully question our thinking under pressure? How often do we just go-along with what we think is normal, and shut out the disturbing awareness?

I can shock myself sometimes when I let myself just shrug and go along and not show the courage to confront racist unfeeling or abusive statements. I have to ask myself, is it the imagined consequences of stepping out of line, being different than others, that stops me? How often do I know what I really feel?

If we watch TV or the latest movies out of Hollywood it is easy to see the formula of solving problems with violence. There is a release of tension in a shootout, or a punch-up; but does it really solve problems? Does killing the “crime boss” solve or stop crime? Someone else the same or worse steps into the gap and carries on. Yet this is what we demonstrate over and over to our children as how to solve conflict.

Does nuclear war or fire-bombing civilians convince the other that we are right? Does unthinking violence help us understand our feelings or help us deal with our confusion? Can I learn to question my fear? When I face fear and name it, does it change my reaction and help me find some creative solution? Am I willing to change my self-image; or do I just want to feel “great” again?

I believe it is possible as parents and community leaders to demonstrate humour, and creative ways of dealing with problems. Our media continually bombard us with indoctrination about education and marketing. My belief is that we must take a new route, one that gives us greater insight into ourselves.

Don Ryane

Lethbridge