Sometimes when we don't understand another person we may search for what's wrong with them or blame them. That can happen to us too--when people don't understand us, they may blame us or let us know persistently what is wrong with us.
Recently an acquaintance did something I didn't understand, my first reaction was to find fault and blame the person for the questionable act, but when I considered the event with greater detail, I realized that the action didn't harm or hurt anyone and was simply a variation of life's events that I was unfamiliar with. There was no reason to find fault or blame, but instead take it as an opportunity to experience something new and different.
Yet, there are times when people question or blame our behavior that deserves our attention. Recently a friend subtly accused me of a character flaw. I thought about it and there was some truth in the accusation. It would have been better, if the blame was a conversation instead of a subtle, cutting remark, but nevertheless, there was some truth in the rebuttal to my choice. I heeded the lesson and will think about it as I move along similar lines in the future.
As much as possible, we have to have a positive, open mind towards one another, however when people's actions tread into dangerous waters, we do have to speak up, and it's best if that speak is compassionate, empathetic and kind. Often I refer to a couple of moments in the elementary school hall, when colleagues righted my speak that way. I was ever so thankful that they spoke up before I waded into dangerous waters due to ignorance. I didn't intend to speak harmfully, but I didn't know any better--they didn't judge me, but educated me instead. If more people did that lovingly, there would be less problems everywhere.
Imagine if Rittenhouse had been lovingly led away from zealously taking an illegal weapon into another state and killing two people and injuring one--imagine if someone had said, there are legal ways that you can help and protect people such as joining the military, becoming a law enforcement worker or working as a security guard. If that had happened, that man's life would be different today, and lives and money would be saved and used for more promising causes.
Rather than blame those who act differently, we need to take the time to think about their actions with curiosity. Then we need to accept actions that are not harmful and true to those people, and speak up and hopefully redirect actions that are harmful in any way. Onward.