I’m a part of the chain gang. No, I did not rob a bank, forge a check or break the heads off parking meters like Cool Hand Luke. The chain gang I am on runs the first down markers for my son’s varsity football team. I love it because I get front row seats to the game. I see up close and personal every hit, every block, every run and every penalty. But that isn’t the best part. I also get to be on the sidelines of the opposing team. I am able to get the inside scoop from the other side of the field. I get to listen to their play calls, watch their players interact, and hear the opinions of how they view my son’s team. It is fascinating to be privy to the unvarnished truth about your son and his team. Especially when they announce his name on the loudspeaker and one of the coaches smirks and says, “What kind of idiot would name their son Giovanni.” I am tempted to say, “Ahem, that would be me, would you like to talk about it?” But I am not supposed to make my presence felt, as a member of the chain gang I am merely meant to be a silent, neutral part of the field. Now that I have done this for three years, I have learned a few things on how the other side thinks and feels - - I have been forced to learn “the art of empathy” firsthand: Seeing a situation from another’s perspective. I’m thinking that these insights can help me navigate the political maelstrom America is presently facing. In fact, it is always good to try to learn how the other side thinks. Here is what I found: When there are two opponents wanting the same thing (a victory for a football team, expanded rights for an ethnic group, more power for a political party, a bigger piece of the tax dollars collected), I have found the other side goes through four stages of thinking trying to accomplish their goal.
It is strange being on the inside of the other side. I wonder what opposing groups would think of me and my group if they listened in to our discussions?
From having the opportunity of being on the other side I have found that a good team first and foremost teaches and coaches their own. They first acknowledge their own faults - - they see and admit the areas where they have not trained and taught their side well. They appreciate the abilities of the other team, respect the rules and authorities that are put in place, and they stop blaming their loss on the things they can’t control. And ultimately every team needs to shake hands when the game is over. Hatred is killing us as a nation. Three weeks ago the other side was so angry at losing to my son’s team they reverted to violence. They wanted to hurt any player on my son’s team, and they did. Sure we won that day, but we all lost something in the long run. Enjoyment of the game and respect for each other’s common humanity. Our country is starting to lose it too...Pray for Las Vegas.
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