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January… the first month of the calendar year is believed to be named for the Roman god Janus. Depicted as two-faced, looking both forward and backward, Janus is associated with the transition between past and future. It can be said that we all live in a constant state of the present, neither past nor future. This situation, while possibly disconcerting, offers an opportunity to assess and learn from past experiences while planning a promising future.
Reaping lessons of the past, this month celebrates the birthdate of Martin Luther King, Jr. whose words and actions inspired the powerful force of nonviolent resistance to injustice and racial prejudice. He dreamed of a society in which all would hear freedom ring in “every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city.” In defiance of extreme and vicious tactics, civil rights activists were able to share Dr. King’s vision and further the struggle for equality and voting rights.
In contrast, we have just passed a date of remembrance of a very different experience. Raw hatred and emotional mayhem ruled the day of January 6th, just one year ago. Dr. King’s words from decades ago were prescient of the battles to come. Speaking of the danger posed by bigotry and rampant individualism. “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” He noted that those who endeavor to isolate and divide, ignore the basic tenet that “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
Those who envision the uprising of January 6, 2021 as a noble, existential battle for the nation are in danger of becoming entrenched in an ideology reminiscent of previous historical hyper partisan, nationalistic fervor that separates rather than unites. It is incumbent on each of us to remember that strength is derived from solidarity of purpose and an understanding that ultimate goals are often similar: peace, security and confidence in the future.
Niccolo Machiavelli, a 16th century diplomat and writer advanced a political theory of amorality and philosophy that the end result justifies any means, no matter how deceitful and unscrupulous. Those with Machiavellian tendencies are driven to accumulate money, achieve power, and win competition with little regard toward community, self-love, and family concerns. Most in our communities do not subscribe to such ideology yet, in times of distress, can succumb to the siren sounds of nationalism and xenophobia. The ancient Greeks subscribed this tendency to enchanting winged creatures (Sirens) who lured sailors toward deadly shoals with beautiful songs. They understood that serious, well-meaning souls are susceptible even at the risk of their own existence.
As Janus’ view of the past is evident during the first month of a new year, his alter ego looks in the opposite direction… the future. Taking note of the past including its flaws and inconsistencies, offers a chance for modifications and corrections to avoid the errors and mistakes of past generations. It is through optimistic civil discourse and common goals that we can progress, thrive and mature. Inflammatory rhetoric of sirens obscures our natural inclination to hope and strive for positive goals… for ourselves and our children.
There is a cure for the malady of Machiavelli. Although some are hopelessly entwined in a negative and destructive narrative, I believe the majority simply need to be reminded of the power of unity and educated beyond personal prejudice and sincere ignorance.
Words such as “freedom” and “democracy” have been linked to particular ideologies that stray from the intent woven into the Constitution of the United States of America. Misrepresentation and fraudulent use of these words as well as malevolent goals have misled a significant segment of society. The month of Janus illustrates two opposing views: to incite toward peace and harmony or pillage and destruction.
Will Janus 2022 reflect a difficult past or a renewed commitment to a better future?
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