Others Matter
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata
Others Matter
One of the pitfalls that people can get trapped in is the, “us against them” mentality. So much in our human history that is heart-breaking comes from people feeling threatened by those who are different from them. Whether we are suspicious or threatened by those who are different, or we are just absorbed by our own world, it can feel easier or safer to just look after “me and mine”. When we do this we close ourselves off to what is wonderful about others, and we distance ourselves from the needs of others. While this is understandable, it does not make the world a better place.
Others Matter
Others Matter
E Tū Tāngata encourages people to take a friend-based approach to others rather than a fear-based or indifferent approach.
When we recognise that “you have value” (that everyone one has intrinsic worth and value) then we realise that this is also true for those who are different to us, those who are ‘other’ than us. When we recognise that “we succeed together”, we realise that this is true no matter how far we go beyond our comfort zone, and those we know. And when we care for others and show them that they matter we change this world for the better.
We all know or can imagine what it is like to have other people be interested in us, or notice our need and help us. This is what each one of us has the power to do with others. When we do this only with those who are a part of our “group” or who are likely to reciprocate, the impact is limited. When we show others who are beyond our “group” or who may not have the means to reciprocate, that they matter, then we start to change the world. It is here that we can all play a part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
We can see many wonderful examples of people showing that others matter all around us. From the response to the Muslim community after the Mosque attacks in Christchurch, to the day-to-day care from the volunteers and workers at the Salvation Army, to the children befriending others who sit on friendship seats in primary schools. Each act is a step towards making this world a better place.
With the principle, “Others Matter”, we want to help people lift their eyes to those around them who they may not normally see, consider or interact with.
We want to help people dream up different ways to show others that they matter. Each person may need it shown a specific way for them. It may involve: conversing, including them, affirming them, listening to them, providing practical support, entering their world, being present with them, seeking to understand their point of view, befriending, and so on. Imagine what would be different if this way of being was our default way of being!
