In these times, when language and meaning is twisted for political purposes, I want to offer a simple map to clarify what is moral and just and right. First, the "golden rule" applies. Second, the ten commandments apply. Third, let me offer the "Pronoun" map for moral development. If I take care of me (I) and make sure that I give myself dignity and respect, then I can include you (You) and offer you dignity and respect. If I give you dignity and respect, I can then offer my own reference group, like my family or my tribe or my faith compatriots (We - Us) dignity and respect. If I offer dignity and respect to us, then I can offer dignity and respect to those that are not in my narrow scope or circle, them (They). And if I offer dignity and respect to them, I can offer dignity and respect to it (It), to the ecosystem - to the planet.
Look at how children grow in understanding and empathy. Concentric circles iterate in their world and environment. From their pure narcissism to relating to parents to connecting to their family and their faith and then to school mates and competitors or allies, and hopefully to the community or matrix they live within, and then to the wider community and even the planet. But some of us get stuck or skip a pronoun. Lack of self-respect will distort how I relate to other pronouns. Thus; I may justify exploiting a woman, or using a colleague, or discounting the ability of other people or groups, or damaging the environment. Yes, it is simple! Pay attention to how you treat the pronouns and you will have a map of your moral development. Let's listen to each other and coach each other in how to dignify and support the identities of all we encounter.
