Our city is home to an organization named Benβs Bells whose motto is βBe Kindβ. Mosaics portraying this two-word exhortation appear on the walls of schools in our community. I think about this often as I read this newspaper and the letters declaring immigrants and refugees as dangerous threats to our way of life. I read editorials that say that diversity, equity, and inclusion is somehow wrong. I see the laments that public education is a hotbed of radical indoctrination that teaches that all peoples and cultures deserve respect. Laws are passed demonizing unhoused people. No parent ever said to their young children βBe Meanβ as lesson for life. Why have a significant portion of our population decided that being mean is the righteous American thing to do? I just donβt get it, and it makes me sad. Bens Bellβs suggests that by recognizing, valuing, supporting, and practicing intentional kindness, we can change the world. That seems like a much more American value to me.
Mark Hanna
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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