Learning moments can happen in the strangest of circumstances. The Rock interviewing Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates was one of them. This clip, which is not presented to be partisan or endorse, is a thoughtful example of what is required to heal a divided society; to create more empathy, more understanding, more listening and solidarity.
Kamala Harris says, “One of the foundations of trust is truth. … Truth can sometimes be really difficult to hear. And for that reason sometimes people don’t speak it. … As long as there is an understanding that it is being spoken not to confront, not to hurt but to deal with things.”
As we look around, we are going through a public health crisis, an economic crisis and compounding it all, an empathy recession.
Sometimes talking about it can help. Watching, listening and reading can help too. So many great works of culture – that might normally be consumed for entertainment or distraction – can help inspire and educate; showing us new perspectives and telling stories in a way that bypasses our rational filters and goes straight to the heart.
The list is endless, but here are a few moments of truth – difficult to hear but with the power to change hearts and minds when you watch and listen.
This scene from John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood called ‘gentrification’ is a learning moment we can all benefit from:
The song All We Do by Oh Wonder is not only an extraordinary piece of music, but the accompanying video teaches what it means to be human:
And the poem Home by Warsan Shire is a devastating portrayal of forced migration:
