The Hill We're Willing to Stand On...

Today, we observe a rare coincidence: Martin Luther King Jr. Day coinciding with Inauguration Day. This has happened only once before, in 1997, with President Bill Clinton's second inauguration.

Why was that a nothing burger until now?

Because this time, the air feels heavier, and the divide in our nation feels deeper.

As seen in some social media posts I’ve come across, such as...

“It’s ironic that the most divisive president in history is being sworn in on the same day we honor MLK’s legacy of unity,” 

and, 

“If you don’t vote like I do, I’ll respect you—but I might unfollow you quietly.”

These, and others with even stronger terms, following one of the most emotionally-charged elections of our time. 

Family and friends - reprimanded, unfollowed, blocked, uninvited. 

Businesses and important personalities - maligned, disenfranchised, canceled. 

All this got me asking: how long before someone I care about labels me hateful for holding a different opinion from them?

How long before my difference in opinion lands me the title of hatefulness, and thus become the excuse for unkindness sent my way? 

Because, friend, don’t we all think differently?

We all know not even identical twins agree on everything at all times. 

I recently came across this quote by Noam Chomsky while scrolling through social media:

 “...If you’re really in favor of free speech, you’re in favor of it for precisely the views you despise. Otherwise, you’re not in favor of free speech.”

Kindness is no different. 

It’s easy to show kindness to people you agree with. The challenge is showing it to those you don’t. 

Do I wish everyone thought like me? Sure, sometimes. But I’m also grateful they don’t. 

Growth happens in those differences. Canceling someone for their beliefs doesn’t change their mind. It just closes the door, eliminating opportunities for meaningful conversations that could result in growth. 

That’s where echo chambers are created, where resentment grows, where shock waves originate. Because you live in a world where you have no idea what your neighbor thinks and if necessary or given a chance, how to influence their change of heart.

And when we plant seeds of exclusion, no matter how “necessary” our reasons, we’re setting up future generations to inherit a world more divided than we can imagine, whether we realize it or not.

My goal with this post is to encourage us as parents, to create the future we want for our kids. 

You’d have to be completely short-sighted to not see the harm our cancel culture is doing to society. 

You’ll have to be naive to think these actions we take today have no impact on the future our kids get to experience. 

These seeds of exclusion planted today on hills we are willing to die on, without doubt will reap a harvest of hate so strong, our kids will inherit a community more divided than Dr. King could have ever imagined in his wildest dreams. 

So, to paraphrase and re-quote Noam Chomsk's words: (and I hope we can choose to teach our kids this basic life lesson): “Stalin was in favor of kindness, precisely for people who had views he liked. If you’re really kind, then you’re kind even to those whose views you despise. Otherwise, you’re not kind.”

___

Well, what does any of this have to do with the price of a play session at The Homie Hub? (Smile, this was supposed to be a joke)

In all seriousness, as a business, we will never treat you differently based on what you believe or don’t believe. 

We know what we believe. We know what we have come to believe over time. We are cognizant of where our beliefs have changed, and why. We are grateful for the discussions we have with you, with other parents, as you openly share your hearts with us. 

You never have to worry that we’ll think less of you for believing a certain way. We might try to talk you into our way of thinking (wink, wink). But even if you choose to look the other way, we promise to not label or malign you. Our doors are open to every parent, every kid. Our hearts as well. 

Because, at The Homie Hub, we believe kindness isn’t about who’s “deserving.” It’s about who we choose to be. We don’t cancel or exclude because we understand the value of open doors and open hearts.

As a Black immigrant in the US, I’ve experienced racism and prejudice and been called names by individuals of different races and backgrounds. But honestly? My core memories are of the kindness shown to me by people of ALL races. That’s what sticks with me. 

No one has the power to make you unkind. Not even those whose views and actions differ from yours. That's a YOU thing, friend.

Kindness, like racism, isn’t selective to a group of people. It transcends everything.

Martin Luther King Jr. left a legacy we get to celebrate today. His legacy, what he stood and died for, was fueled by the issues at stake in his day. 

The need to be kind to others is one of the most pressing issues in our world today. 

Like MLK, this is the hill we choose to stand on - to fight for the right to be kind to anyone and everyone, without respect to their skin color, where they come from or their belief system.

Kindness, friends, is an enduring legacy we can leave our kids. 

And because we celebrate him today, here’s what I think Dr. King would have said if he were still here today:

Unkindness anywhere is a threat to kindness everywhere.

So, on this day, let’s commit to more than just celebrating MLK’s life. Let’s honor his work by making kindness the hill we’re willing to stand on. For ourselves, for our community, and for our kids.

― Signed, A mom hoping for more kindness in the world