Wishes
The story of Aladdin was created in the 18th century. It was one of the stories in One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights). I remember watching Disney's Aladdin when I was younger and really thinking it would be wonderful if there was a magic genie out there, someone who I could ask to make three wishes come true.
Though I know there isn't a genie in a lamp, I do believe you can put your thoughts out three and be purposeful with your future and those you interact with.
My wishes have changed from when I was younger, less of a focus on me and more of a focus on humanity. Often people have so many tasks, goals and aspirations in their lives that they forget about the world outside of themselves.
If I had three wishes for all, I would wish for people to acknowledge other, be aware, and never assume.
When working or interacting with people from different socioeconomic, religious, or cultural backgrounds, many people (mind you this is through my life experience) forget to acknowledge others and their walk. We all come from different places, have grown up in different environments, and have different cultural history and customs.
When speaking to other people many of us default to what we know; ourselves and our environment. Not everyone lives as you do. They may not connect with you and what you say could very well be an aversion to them because you are not encompassing them into the equation. I am encouraging you to step outside of that box and ask about their life, history and how they work. With the open mind that they may not work the same way that you do, you are opening up and making a broader connection than you would if you were coming from a place of rigidity.
This moves us into my next wish of being aware.
When looking at cultural awareness, there is usually the complete disconnect between people or there is the extreme need to show your connection to others and in doing so, the mistake of saying, "I completely understand where you're coming from." You are an individual and while you may have had similar experiences, no on person has lived the exact same life.
When going to a business meeting with someone from another country, I would hope that the businesses would look at each other's customs, be aware of those customs, and act accordingly. This is the same with one-on-one interactions with different people. I come from a multicultural background. Often many people ask me what I am. I tell them Ukrainian, Welsh, Scottish, and Nez Perce Native American. The usual response after is one of two things, "Ah, I see the Native," or "Yes, but what one do you identify with?"
I am very proud of my background and love each one. When looking at culture as a celebration, accepting each part has been a wonderful walk that I have been able to enjoy.
I fully embrace each cultural background and have made them a part of my identity. Being aware of how people identify and who they are is key to connection and building a bridge.
When wishing people never assume, it is my hope that one asks before judging.
Usually, the root of confrontation is do to lack of constructive communication. I have found myself assuming the worst and the best of others and at some point have been disappointed with both assumptions. A person is not 100% good or 100% evil, just human.
As a writer I challenge myself to show that in my characters. Part of the problem with main stream stories and textbooks is that our heroes have no flaws and our villains have many.
What would happen if we knew the full story on some of our greatest heroes? Would we love them as much? What about our villains? Would we hate them all the same? By assuming someone always has ill intent, you do them an injustice. By assuming someone always has your best intent at heart, you do yourself an injustice.
These are my three wishes and I hope those reading find them valuable.
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Tasha Ina Church
