the reverse

So, how do we manage to reach out to those above us on the social scale?  Well, most of us won’t really have to worry about it, because let’s face it, we don’t often rub shoulders with anyone outside of our own circles.  Having said that, there’s much to be said for making the most of the rare opportunity.  If you ever have the chance to get to know someone like that, don’t waste it admiring the unimportant stuff, such as their title or position.  Moments are precious.  One can learn so much simply by listening and observing.  If you see something in this person that’s worthwhile, find a way to gently let them know, respecting as best you can the fact that they will have their own experiences, backgrounds and viewpoints to filter things through.  

We can do the same thing with anyone and everyone we meet, because no matter who we are, there will be someone “above” us and someone “below” us.  For instance, the man going to work in an executive office will think himself above the maid, and the maid will think herself above the unwashed, homeless man sleeping on the street she walks down to get to work.  Let’s imagine for a moment that the maid gets to know the executive, just by listening and observing over time, and she likes the person that he is.  She gets the chance to let him know this, and seizes it.  As she’s walking home, the dirty homeless man looks up and smiles at her, saying hello.  What does she do?  How does she feel about the man?  It’s a strange part of human nature that, as much as we hate being looked down on in any way, we look down on others, many times without even being aware of it.  We want those above us to treat us as equals, but how willing are we ourselves to treat as equals those below us?  This is where we face ourselves.  

There are many buzzwords going at the moment, made popular by the way they make us feel about ourselves when we use them.  Journey is a well-used word these days.  We like to talk about being on a journey, taking another path, and our personal growth.  We just don’t like the thought of getting our hands dirty, or getting our feet muddy.  We like the way we feel when we support a charity, or spend a little time in a carefully controlled environment with the less fortunate.  How many of us, though, would actually sit down at the table with the people we profess to care about, have a cup of tea and an honest conversation without feeling like it’s a one-down?  The last part of that sentence is the clincher, isn’t it?  We all have to face that question.  All of us.  We generously leave money for suspended coffees, and they’re greatly appreciated.  Would we sit down with the poor, homeless person drinking that coffee and have a cup with him?  Would we genuinely share a laugh, get to know his story, and tell him ours?  The next time we see him, would we wave and say hello, calling him by name?  Would we do those things if our colleagues could see or friends could see?  Social status affects us all, and what’s more, all of us are guilty of feeding into that idea.  Is this time of personal growth and journeys the time to end the concept of social status, or does that ancient system serve a purpose?  How honest can you be with yourself?  Let’s find out another time.