by Rachel on Unsplash

Lockdown Thought — Day 22

Striving for action to reduce inequality is a great aim. But the first step is acknowledging the many and complex inequalities that exist as well as the reasons for their existence. One way of doing this is to experience the lives of others, particularly given that learning through experience is incredibly valuable. While some forms of experiential learning such as “voluntourism” have been discredited as exploitative, it is important for us to create opportunities to walk a little way in each other’s shoes. It is only once we are able to be honest with ourselves about these different starting points that we can begin to dismantle some of the systems that perpetuate intergenerational inequality in our society. 

Lockdown is highlighting some of the inequalities. We acknowledge that many school communities have adequate resources for lockdown schooling while some do not have a basic connection to the internet. We can encourage the government in their plan to address this inequality right now.

Adapted from Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 232 November 2018: 27
Where there is inequality, let us speak up
Where there is confusion, let us be patient
Where there is good leadership, let us encourage
Where there is misinformation, let us seek truth
Where there is self-seeking, let us be in solidarity
Where there is darkness, let us be hopeful
Where there is mourning, let us be compassionate
Where there is meanness, let us be generous
Where there is loss of meaning, let our hearts burn within us
And, walk with us through this lockdown day
Risen Christ.

For a laugh and a sobering observation: