Anyone paying attention to climate news has been inundated with the recent Sunrise Movement visit to Senator Diane Feinstein’s office. I’m here to add to the inundation, hopefully by clarifying some aspects of this moment in our time, as revealed by that meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I note several perceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) There is a passion in our youth that is informed and that can (and must) inform us, not just for climate work, but in all of our work. Sometimes the kids are less than informed about specifics, and that is why we must work with them, so they learn, and we learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) There is a rampant lack of listening on both sides in this video. This, we must fix. I will say that as the adult in the room, I feel Senator Feinstein is more responsible as should have learned how to listen by now, and it did discourage me to know that that is not the case. I can almost excuse the students for their lack of listening…we have forced kids to “listen and not be heard” for generations. They are far past the point of breaking out, and their very lives are on the line. Regardless of the rationale behind the repeated interruptions, and the bossy reiterations of what each side wanted to be heard by the other side, all of us MUST learn to listen well and to speak well. This is communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3) There is a general lack of respect for others. The kids are frustrated and feel the Senator needs to understand and address their fears, and the Senator feels the kids are overstepping and telling her how to do her job. Neither frames the moment as “here’s how we can help you” or as “you and your work are valuable to use because…”. We need to align in this work if we are to succeed. There is no us\/them regarding habitation of this singular planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4) There is a certainty on the part of nearly anyone already established in life\/career that we already know how to fix this, OR we don’t have to worry because we are doing the right things already, OR we have nothing to worry about because #climatechange is actual a mostly normal occurrence and humanity might have some issues but it’s part of the ebb and flow of the planet. Or, on the part of Senator Feinstein, that we have to do what we can within the confines of what we already know how to do, and her role is merely to do at least that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to watch the whole encounter. I highly respect the Sunrise Movement, yet caution that any shortened rendition will inevitably put weight on one aspect of the story. It’s probably not intended, but in pointing out the moments where she is condescending, we miss the moments were she is gracious. Always seek the whole picture. If we make people bad guys, they will become bad guys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n