IC Inbox: Empatheias

[young_oldman]

[Your birds might get a little plump on bird seeds. Just saying.]

Comments

[letteropener]

Overlooking the fact that one of our own did great and horrific harm to the natives. [Celestia shuts her eyes. Complicated, as it ever is...] That is a question I have been pondering, myself. Much like the natives, most of our people here are understanding and sensible...

[young_oldman]

...but there is growing resentment at being painted with broad strokes. During the campaign there were a vocal group, angry at the attitude held by some of the natives during the storm at the beginning of the year. Undeniably and unfortunately the action of the few has coloured the view of the newcomers, those with close ones who had arrived at the beginning of Dodeca, and the others who have not been here long enough to know that such actions are outside the norm.

[A slight frown here.]

Even both of the candidates tapped onto that anger when they were giving their speech. From how Ms White and Master Freeman spoke of the natives, you would think that the majority of the natives are against us.

[letteropener]

And you see why a small but obvious minority can cause an entire people to be painted in broad strokes. [The two-way street of relations is poetically appealing ever as it is worrisome.] It is also true that some people want to be angry, and want an outside source to lay blame and anger upon. That, sadly, is also a difficult nut to crack.

[young_oldman]

We've been here for over a year with no clear path ahead to our homes. All things considered, it's remarkable that tempers have mostly held all the way until now. [The ever-sticky business of managing people.]

There needs to be more awareness of both the good and bad in our communities so that there is no confusion or doubt of where we stand with each other. There may be a vocal minority, but surely there must be a silent majority that disagrees with them. If we could bring their voices out more frequently...

[He sighs.] ...perhaps it is a dream though. To wish for unity from different strokes and walks of life.

[letteropener]

Of course it is a dream. All goals must begin somewhere, with a dream -- often a dream that seems impossible, that goes so far beyond what is that only a dream can begin to encompass it.

And that dream provides the strength and clarity to proceed. The will to move forward. The first steps on a long road. That is how dreams become reality -- with effort, hard work, perseverance, and hope.

[young_oldman]

Your Highness has experience ruling a kingdom for many centuries; has there ever been a situation similar to the conflict we face here that called for your wisdom?

[letteropener]

Equestria was founded when three pony tribes, on the brink of conflict, instead put aside their differences to create a nation of peace and harmony. But that was not without its difficulties, of course -- though perhaps not the same as this.

[young_oldman]

[Interesting. Three tribes...just like three warlords.] And how were such difficulties navigated?

[letteropener]

Their three assistants, much wiser sorts than the leaders in such ways, found common ground where the leaders had found enmity. Such harmony not only did great good in the world, but it showed the leaders the value of friendship as well.