Try hard, be kind. That’s a motto to live by. It’s one that, if applied to public service, would bring an end to the pernicious politics of blame, shame and hate.
Kindness is the antidote to ‘strong man’ populism in all its ugly forms. It commands empathy and compassion, essential to steer a course between the rock and a hard place of political decisions in a modern world, buffeted by global events and mass communication.
There are many hard choices and contradictions in policymaking, when viewed through the lens of government silos or single minded missions that are distilled into slogans and soundbites. Standing in others’ shoes changes that perspective.
It shows life to be messy, chaotic even. Mistakes are made, risks are taken that don’t pay-off, some decisions have unforeseen consequences. Yet when balanced by good intentions, and determination to get things right – to try hard and be kind – we can learn and progress, not pillory and regress into the machismo politics of denial and blame.
‘Cruel to be kind’? That’s an anathema to democratic values, and to humanity. Yet for many, the levers of power seem out of reach. The answer can be found in ourselves, and the politicians we choose to lead us. Try hard to understand, get involved, turn away from self interest and look to each other for support.
What does this look like? A tolerant society, stronger together. Each and every person confident in their identity to repel the cheap jibes of ‘woke culture’ and defenestration of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). A kinder politics will vanquish the spectre of misogyny and racism seeping into the mainstream and bigotry portrayed as free speech without consequence. It will defy hate of ‘others’.
Good people can make bad decisions. But when neighbours come together we can build bridges, not fortresses, of mutual respect and compassion. Kindness will prevail.
Citadel 