Trivialization, Marginalization or Inclusiveness?

While looking through some of my papers and books the other day in preparation for a talk on equality, poverty and Judaism that I would like to give, I came across the following quote. The quote itself deals with social poverty, and it says; “If the cause of poverty is marginalization, the cure is inclusion.” (Richard John Neuhaus) In essence, the solution according to the author was not first and foremost monetary, rather it dealt with the developing a mindset of inclusiveness.

While this quote relates to economics, I also believe it can relate to the world we live in today. Undoubtedly, we live in a fractured society due to many reasons. Among those reasons we find, race, religion, sexuality, politics and so much more as dividing points and points of contention. Compounding this, we often marginalize and trivialize those who do not agree with us, thereby widening the gap within our communities. The result being, a far less stable society.

In order to countermand this trend we could apply the lessons of social economic theory from above into societal acceptance and inclusiveness within our communities today. Thereby, creating a more united society. Something, that we desperately need in today’s fractured atmosphere. In the end, the cure to the issues we face, all lay within our inner perception of life. As it changes, so will our lives.