Kindness culture - human right and responsibility

 “Kindness and good nature unite men more effectually and with greater strength than any agreements whatsoever, since thereby the engagements of men's hearts become stronger than the bond and obligation of words.” 
― Thomas More, Utopia

Recently I read a blog titled, Maybe It’s Time To Stop Talking About Bullying, And Talk Kindness Instead by Lisa Currie (http://www.teachthought.com/culture/maybe-time-stop-talking-bullying-talk-kindness-instead/) and it struck a chord. As the ‘bully’ culture grows and more cowards take to social media to parade their ‘un-superhero’ capes, I wonder what can be done to curb this ever growing concern.

 

I love the idea of a culture of kindness. Social media, technology, connectedness is here to stay, so we have to embrace it and teach kids how to use it appropriately. Just like we have to teach respect and good manners, we need to teach them to be kind both on and off social media. Why not focus on kindness culture? There are projects like TAG you’re it and Acts of Random Kindness that promote this idea, but we should adopt and nurture this attitude so that it is not a one-off, but rather a way of life, integrated into our daily thoughts. What can I do to help someone else? Both big and small acts should be encouraged as we adopt a culture of embracing differences and celebrating them.

 

It is also suggested that people affected by mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, can actually feel better by helping others, by taking the focus off themselves and this rewarding experience can offer a healing process. Kindness is a medication.

 

I have become more active on Twitter of late and even become involved in some very encouraging topics regarding tolerance and stigma. The media plays a significant role in manipulating our emotions, and many people allow them to do just that. As educators, it is our role to teach students to think for themselves, not be swayed by media portrayal, fear mongering and rather challenge opinions. Unlike when I was at school and acquiring information was much more tedious exercise, we have information at our finger tips and have very little excuse to not be informed. This is empowering. Knowledge is powerful, but applying this knowledge is key.

 

We need to teach students how to acquire accurate knowledge and once they have this knowledge, what to do with it. One comment I saw on twitter also suggested that the word tolerance is actually more restrictive that liberating. I had never thought of that, it’s true. It is about celebrating differences. We all form part of different cultures and even within these cultures, we are not the same but we are equal. We are humans and with all our influencing environments, we are unique. Adopting a culture of kindness will ripple out into the community. Fostering kind relationships, responding kindly, reciprocating kindness and being kind when it isn’t easy are just a few ways we can shift behaviours. No, we won’t ever live Utopia, but we can aim to get as close as we can. The change starts with me. Let’s change the world, starting with kindness.

 

Thanks for reading. I would love to hear from you, Jacqui.