I yearn to immerse myself in this book, hoping to glean empowering information. However, I find myself pondering who the intended audience truly is, or was. It was not designed for those who grapple with systemic racism, sexism, ageism, and the like. Nor was it for those who strive to survive in the face of these challenges today.
No one exists in isolation. We are all either beneficiaries of the systems we inhabit or victims of the various hegemonies that prevail, such as the lingering mindset that once justified the enslavement of people. Of course, there are those of us who find ourselves in the middle, navigating life as we evade the worst of others and the harshest aspects of a sexist, racist, and ageist society.
Consequently, I can't help but perceive much of what I'm reading as largely irrelevant. At the very least, it feels insufficient. Our planet is being ravaged by those for whom life is, quite frankly, just fine, thank you very much, despite their abhorrent character. In fact, having a poor character has even enriched some of them.
I think of the achievement-oriented black boy, mindfully nurtured by his parents, beginning college, a member of the campus football team. He unfolds his large frame from a car that has been stopped by the police simply because there is a black male inside. And then, he is shot dead by someone who lacks the ability to self-reflect and think critically.
Telling our current president to self-reflect so that he doesn't undermine our democracy? His woes are either attributed to the previous president or some other external factor.
No, I believe the current wave of empowerment books must assist people in understanding how individuals who benefit from privileges due to the sheer accident of being born into the tribe that is the primary beneficiary of a system that deems white people superior need to recognize the connection between themselves and the slain black boy who is merely attempting to build a good life and contribute to society. How about teaching this sort how to cease deflecting?
Of course, this is easier said than done.
"Those who have conquered doubt and fear have conquered failure."
I would argue that #45 has not a shred of doubt or fear as he methodically dismantles our democracy, our national lands, and the dignity of our citizens. His supporters are no better. Confidently misinformed and delusional, they pose a threat to the good life of the rest of us.
What would Allen say to the greedy, self-assured individuals who are sexist, racist, narcissistic, and dishonest and who are running our country and corporations?
A sweet book, no doubt, but ultimately useless and rife with magical thinking. So far, there are no real strategies for careful thought. Positive thinking does not necessarily translate into effective behaviors.
The only concept in the book that holds merit on its own is the significance of calmness. If we can suppress our fight or flight response long enough, perhaps our critical thinking skills can engage, and we can assess life's problems without resorting to dangerous and ill-conceived solutions. Self-regulation, I understand.