Episode 14: Appealing To The Good

Written By Andrea McCoy

In a world where the clangor of discord and strife frequently rises above the whispers of hope, navigating the currents of human connection and inherent goodness can often feel like walking a tightrope. Our latest episode, "Appealing to the Good," takes an introspective dive into these themes, examining how to balance the abundant and justified frustrations of the world with the unyielding efforts to recognize and amplify the good.

Where To Start: Finding Our Ground

As we kick off the conversation, we share their individual encounters and reflections from recent travels and personal experiences. Hostion recounts experiences in Australia, illuminating surprising contrasts in political and cultural landscapes, while Andrea retells her insightful journey to the Canadian Immigration Summit in Ottawa.

It is easy to see how the world’s weight could tilt anyone’s perspective toward skepticism. Yet, Andrea, observing the engrossing work of passionate individuals and organizations, found affirmations of goodwill and commitment to justice behind the noise of divisive rhetoric.

The Main Theme: Holding Good and Bad in Balance

Our conversation branches into an exploration of balancing good and bad—ultimately diving into the realism that no leader or individual is perfect. We dialogue around figures like Justin Trudeau and Marc Miller, emphasizing their mix of commendable actions and controversial decisions. This blend of traits is ever-present in politicians globally, often evoking powerful and polarizing emotions in the public sphere.

Hostion, with a poignant yet skeptical lens, highlighted the necessity of recognizing every person’s capacity for both. Andrea, however, believes in an unyielding, intrinsic goodness, advocating for the view that understanding this balance can help bridge the chasms that divide us.

Perspectives on Goodness

Andrea and Hostion's core belief dichotomy regarding human nature framed much of the episode’s conversational journey. Andrea sees a child's nascent goodness—a fragile, precious thing cultivated by nurturing kindness. In contrast, Hostion maintains a perspective wherein humans must strive beyond a default state, guided into betterment by societal structures and personal growth.

Despite these differing views, both agree upon the transformative power of recognizing goodness in others. Andrea, in recounting personal strife, highlighted the potential for human connection to engage the best in people, illustrating this through deeply personal family relations.

Bringing it to the Macro Level: Politics and Leadership

Reflecting upon political leaders, we examine how good and bad manifest through policy decisions and cultural shifts. We evaluate the enduring impact leaders could have—be it positive initiatives like welcoming refugees or upending societal norms. Yet, we recognize the deep-seated and embedded systems which often constrain or empower these individuals, recognizing that power itself can corrupt or elevate.

A Call to Action: Finding Connection

We must engage with the world through a lens that seeks to understand and connect. We all have a crucial role to play in nurturing spaces for constructive dialogue, challenging each of us to recognize and endorse the good even amidst palpable tension.

In a world that often demands we choose sides, "Appealing to the Good" reminds us that the connection thrives in complex spaces. Here, compassion, accountability, and continuous dialogue can enable lasting change.

As we navigate our paths forward, let us appeal to the good within ourselves and others, lifting us collectively, towards a vision of hope. Let us continue these conversations, grounded in understanding and propelled by the promise of connection.

Andrea McCoy https://www.janklin.ca
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