Sappy But Symbolic Gestures Mean a Lot
No matter which side of this election you’re on, there’s no doubt that a huge number of people in the United States and around the world are feeling tremendous shock, sadness and uncertainty. According to The Science of Us’ Jesse Singal, seemingly sappy but symbolic gestures mean a lot in times like this. Singal writes, “Those of us who value certain norms—empathy, multiculturalism, tolerance—can push back just a little bit against the storm that is coming by broadcasting those norms to the world.” Visible displays of solidarity, kindness and caring about others’ safety is important always, but today “Jews going to mosques or Muslims going to synagogues or all the other stuff that’s so easy to write off as saccharine theater”—those kinds of gestures are especially significant. Read more at Science of Us.
Via nymag.com link opens in a new window
