Kindness in the face of adversity can shape a city

IN months like this one, being spokesperson for kindness on the Gold Coast proves difficult.

While allegations fly back and forth, “pub tests” and policy, complaints and directives, and the actual facts form debate like conjecture at the footy: the truth is surely in there somewhere, but there’s sure a lot of bluster and boldness to sift through to find it.

There’s an old saying I like attributed to a Jewish leader who lived under Roman rule. Roughly, it translates, “if you are kind only to your friends, how are you ever going to be seen different to anyone else?”

It distinguishes two types of kindness. The first is the easy kind; responding in love to someone you like or initiating generosity for those you care about. Surround yourself with likeminded people and you can coast through life like this. Even a despot can seem kind with agreeable minions in tow.

The tougher kindness; the type that people really notice; is kindness shown when it costs us. When we give up something; at least our natural self-interest, but sometimes our time, or our money. The hardest type of kind is when we give up our pride, our ego, or control, in order to connect with someone else’s needs, or honour a commitment we made that might have become inconvenient.

When, perhaps in the face of antagonism, injustice or challenge, we communicate direct, balanced and true statements that speak to the humanity of the circumstance. This type of kindness can shape a community. It can shape a city.

Sticking to our convictions and honouring commitments we make is important, even if we argue. However, with effort we can still be kind while arguing and that is an opportunity our city’s leadership and the city, together, can demonstrate much better to the broader community. GLENN TOZER, CITY OF GOLD COAST, WORLD KINDNESS MOVEMENT AMBASSADOR