THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
Beliefs shape our lives, guiding us like an inner GPS. They define our choices, reflecting our core values. Ireland offers a real-world example where beliefs influenced both society and law. For years, Catholicism impacted everything from politics to education. The church’s influence was evident in laws like abortion restrictions.
However, in 2018, a historic vote repealed the Eighth Amendment, granting more reproductive freedom — a collective shift away from long-standing doctrines. This change shows how beliefs can transform societal landscapes, affecting everyday life.
Cultural beliefs can be like a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can be the glue that holds a community together, giving us a sense of belonging and common goals. Think of all those times in history when shared beliefs sparked revolutions or pushed societies forward. They can also stir up trouble, like when they become too rigid or start excluding people, causing conflicts and heartache.
Beliefs act as either a compass or a chain. Clinging to rigid ideas shuts the door to new opportunities. Consider Germany before the Berlin Wall fell. In the Cold War era, East Germany adhered strictly to socialist principles, which stifled personal freedom and economic growth, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction. Then came the courageous individuals who questioned this rigidity, leading peaceful protests that toppled the Wall in 1989.
This wasn’t just about bricks falling; it was about the liberation from strict dogma. The nation’s openness led to creativity and change.
As we strive for a world where everyone feels they belong, constant dialogue about beliefs is crucial. Native Americans have long fought to be heard. Exploring their historical and cultural contributions reveals assumptions and biases that have stifled their voices.
Engaging in these conversations is not just about correcting the record but enriching discussions. Social dialogue thrives when Native American history and culture are spotlighted. Welcoming diverse beliefs, especially Indigenous ones, stitches a quilt of celebration, not just tolerance. The key lies in listening and engaging sincerely with Native communities, creating a society that values understanding and the diversity of cultures enriching our world.
Beliefs constantly evolve with new experiences. Irish emigration to the US during the famine and the UK around WWII exemplifies this. Irish emigrants brought unique cultural beliefs to new lands, blending and evolving with local traditions on both sides of the Atlantic.
Stagnant beliefs confine us, but adapting them, as emigrants did, opens us to new ideas and hope. Embracing change improves ourselves and enriches those around us, fostering a vibrant environment filled with opportunities. Keeping beliefs adaptable, like immigrants facing new challenges, is key to unlocking a future full of potential.
By examining and adjusting our beliefs, we grow as individuals and improve our interactions with others, clearing the debris of false assumptions. In doing so, we rebuild a world where diverse ideas co-exist, enhancing our understanding and learning from the past.
