Welcome to the Silent Centrist
Today's political landscape can seem an inescapable pit of polarization. Like many people, I have become exhausted with the hateful or inflammatory rhetoric used by most politicians. It seems as though any good person can't make it in politics and as such, there aren't any left. This can be depressing, as the problems our country faces don't stop just because political parties can't agree on a solution. This leads to a political gridlock where parties think no solution is better than a solution given by the other party.
Now I know that polarization is an issue that can quickly snowball into bigger problems. It can make people more likely to use personal insults and attacks over productive speech. It lessens the ability to see common ground and reach compromises. But polarization doesn't have to be bad. Polarization is, in some ways, a form of diversity. Stark as the contrast might be between two sets of ideas, polarization is just that - two sets of ideas. I strongly believe that a diverse set of ideas is what makes this country strong, and that we need to stop demonizing those who hold political beliefs different from our own.
That is what brings us to what I believe is the true issue that our country faces today. It doesn't take a political scientist to see the problems that polarization has caused. But I believe that the way to end the negative effects of polarization isn't to try and silence other views, but rather elevate the voice of the voiceless. By diversifying the voices we hear, the power the polar opposites hold on our attention diminishes, and with it we can see that there are many more things that unite us than divide us.
That is my dream with the Silent Centrist. I may not have the influence or the pervasiveness of others, but what I do have is my voice. And, even if only for my own sanity, I will raise it against the powers that divide us. I will remain silent no longer, but rather use my voice to unify in whatever small way I can.
We can go farther, together.
Let's go forward, together.
Let's go forward, together.
#9 - Reclaim Your Power
Mar 22, 2025
About three days ago I saw a meme about depression. The top panel was a man, surrounded by darkness, sullenly saying “nothing matters.” In the next two panels you can see the darkness slowly dissipating, until in the bottom panel he is surrounded by light and smiling as he says, “nothing matters.” The message is the same, but the perspective is very different.
In times when it seems like contention is the default state, it can be easy to fall into that first mentality that nothing matters, and all is lost. Often you try different things to regain that sense of optimism, hoping that something or someone will change the course on which we seem to be barreling down with no breaks. As we look to our leaders, we are often left wanting.
This is reflected in the constant shifting of political power. We want to try different methods to solve our problems, different flavors in hopes that whatever change comes results in something sweeter. Yet somehow nothing seems to bring back that joy. While these larger issues can feel overwhelming, it's crucial to remember that our individual actions still matter. We may not control the world, but we can control how we interact with it. Lacking the power to make those changes does not mean we are powerless. Real change isn’t something that is pressed upon us; real change comes from within.
First, we must recognize what is within our power to accomplish. This might change from day to day. You might think what is without your power insignificant, and possibly not worth your time. You might wallow in the memory of times when you could do more. But none of that changes what you can do now.
Second, take that first step. It will likely be small. But every single journey you will ever take starts with the first step. By moving forward, you put yourself into a position to take that next step. There may be times when you fall, and that’s ok. When you fall there is only one thing you can do: get up.
And that is all you have to do. It sounds simple because it is simple. Too many people worry about what is happening in places hundreds of miles away to people they’ve never met. Too many people get worked up over injustices that happen time and time again that can never be truly rectified. Too many people relinquish their own power and give into despair because it is easier than recognizing that what they can do is right in front of them.
Don’t give in.
When something crazy happens somewhere, don’t fret. Instead, spend quality time with someone close to you. Have a pleasant chat with a neighbor who you avoid. Give a compliment to a stranger to make them smile. Call an old friend who you haven’t spoken to for some time. Spend time with your family doing something you all enjoy.
When you hear about something unfair that happened to someone else on the news, don’t get upset. Instead, go out and make a sacrifice for someone else. Give a dollar to someone in need without judgement. Visit someone elderly and help them with something they struggle to do. Volunteer at an organization that supports the poor and needy in your community.
When you feel powerless to change the world around you, don’t believe it. Instead, use your power to do something to help those around you, no matter how small. Because each small act brings us that much closer to a world full of goodness. You’ll likely see that small act might be small to you, but have an immeasurable impact on those you serve.
There is a story that illustrates this point. Following a hurricane, a man went to the beach to see countless starfish washed up on the beach. So vast were their numbers he could see any sand through the marine life. He then began, one by one, throwing starfish back into the ocean. Another man walking by witnessed his efforts. Seeing the number of starfish and the lone man throwing them in, he asked “Why are you doing this? There are so many starfish, what difference could you possibly make? You’ll never get to them all.” The first man heard him, bent over, grabbed a starfish, and threw it into the ocean. He then looked, and said to the man “It made a difference to that one.”
Just because bad things happen in the world doesn’t mean you have to let those bad things ruin your life. The only way to resist the negativity is by contributing positively. The only way to combat injustice is by being just. The only way to stop hate is with love. Don’t let anything outside your control prevent you from being happy, but rather spread kindness with others that help them find happiness.