The Power of Opposites in the Realm of Social Justice
Knowing the right thing to do is different than doing right
Defining a meaningful course for ourselves is the great challenge of a lifetime. We learn some guiding principles early on, and hopefully use them to move forward. The lessons learned from childhood into adulthood — under the watchful eye of our parents, siblings, caregivers, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and even peers — can be invaluable for short- and long-term growth.
Yet, there will be missteps along the way. We might be presented with difficult obstacles that require assistance from multiple sources. We might make significant mistakes that require correction, apologies, and forgiveness, as well as a rededication to improve our lives, the lives of others, and the life of our community.
More often than not, we know the things we should be doing. However, merely knowing the right thing to do is different than actually doing it. I can recall many times when knowing didn’t directly translate into positive action. When that happens, I have found that looking at opposites can be helpful.
We know that we should love our neighbor, but we don’t always do it. We know that we should take a more active role in addressing discrimination in our society, but we don’t always do it. We know that poverty is the bane of our society, but we don’t seek enough solutions to combat the problem.
To illustrate this point, here are some examples:
The opposite of love
Bishop Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, discusses this topic in his book, Love is the Way: Holding On to Hope in Troubling Times. He says, “if love looks outward, to the good of the other, then its opposite isn’t hate. Its opposite is selfishness! It’s a life completely centered on the self… nothing good ever comes out of selfishness and greed.” Thus, if I find myself not exhibiting love for others, then I have to look at what the opposite is.
Am I being selfish? How can I change my behavior to be more caring and empathetic? Introspection and empathy should now be my tools for this change.
The opposite of racism
This is a hot-button issue in our society right now. While structural racism is real (structural racism refers to the social structures that perpetuate disadvantages for some and advantages for others), the work of righting these wrongs is incredibly challenging.
I recently heard a sarcastic, flippant remark about a minor problem: “Oh, everything is racist.” To me, that remark means that the speaker refuses to acknowledge that much work has yet to be done or really doesn’t want to consider the seriousness of the problem. If I find myself in these situations in the future, I need to be the opposite of racist. I need to be anti-racist.
We need to be anti-racist — that is, we have to be “one who is supporting an anti-racist policy through their actions and expressing anti-racist ideas.” It is insufficient to say, “I don’t have a racist bone in my body,” or “some of my best friends are people of color.” We have to be on the front lines opposing racism at every turn.
The opposite of poverty
Bryan Stevenson, the executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, has worked tirelessly on behalf of people wrongly accused of crimes who have been incarcerated for inhumane periods of time under equally inhumane conditions. The mass incarceration of our less fortunate countrymen raises serious questions about our ability to fairly apply the standards of justice in our country.
I remember his statement — the opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice — as a call to action. Thus, I need to be seeking justice for those struggling with poverty and that involves more than just helping them increase their wealth. Voting rights and fair banking practices are two areas where I can help create positive change.
As I try to lead a meaningful and impactful life, I can aim to identify the toxic effects that occur when we neglect to act or mischaracterize problems. Looking at opposites can provide great insight to improve our lives and the lives of others.
Bob Saul completed pediatric training at Duke University Medical Center and genetic training at the Greenwood Genetic Center. He is a Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus) at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
He has two grown children, Bradley and Ben, and has been married to his wife, Jan, for over 33 years. His books include MY CHILDREN’S CHILDREN: RAISING YOUNG CITIZENS IN THE AGE OF COLUMBINE, ALL ABOUT CHILDREN, and THINKING DEVELOPMENTALLY: NURTURING WELLNESS IN CHILDHOOD TO PROMOTE LIFELONG HEALTH (the latter co-authored with Dr. Andy Garner and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics). His latest book, CONSCIOUS PARENTING: USING THE PARENTAL AWARENESS THRESHOLD, was published in March 2020.
