The Right Emphasis
A few years ago I was casually talking to my oldest brother, and the topic of height came up. He said it's ridiculous when people treat being tall as a virtue we should all be seeking (more or less).
I've thought about that a lot.
I have a very tall husband. I have some kids who are quite tall, other kids who are super short, and some who are very average (like me). I've been noticing the way people react to my kids' height. It is definitely not the same.
"Look how tall you are!" (this is said with an incredulous tone, like my child has won some great prize, or worked very hard to accomplish a goal)
"Oh my goodness, you are so tall and beautiful!"
"_______." (nothing is said. This child is not tall.)
I would love to change how we view our height. It is NOT a virtue. How tall we end up is merely a physical characteristic, like the color of our hair or eyes. That's it. Being tall doesn't make someone good, or trustworthy, or diligent, or patient. It makes a person...tall. Period.
I'd like to take this idea even further. Wouldn't life be different if we would strive for moral goodness instead of accolades for our physical characteristics? If we could do that, how tall you are becomes insignificant, but your integrity takes a front seat. We need to do our part to put the emphasis on the right thing.
When Michelle Obama was the First Lady, why were her arms a subject to be discussed? Her arms? What do her arms have to do with anything involving her character, the person she actually is? This focus on the physical continues on and on. Society ignores the person's actual character, instead dialing in on anything that can be seen and judged on the outside. Is it any wonder why women struggle so much with how they look? Doesn't it make sense that girls will post pictures wearing less and less, get more likes, and yet feel terrible inside?
We are emphasizing the wrong things. I love a good before and after. Weight loss pictures like that are everywhere, and I applaud anyone who is able to change their life and be healthy. But the after pictures are often bikinis or even less. This takes the emphasis away from the diligence, the hard work, the changing mindset, the new knowledge gained, the new skills developed...and puts it on the results. In my mind, it cheapens the accomplishment. This is true about so many things, not just weight loss.
Character development is empowering! It is the ultimate equalizer amongst all people. Let's start looking at each other in a new way, and emphasize the right things. The Vice President of the United States is a woman! I don't care what size dress she wears, how tall she is, or how big her feet are. I care about the kind of person she is. I care about her character.
Generosity, courage, wisdom, justice, helpfulness, service, peacefulness, forgiveness, responsibility, kindness, honesty, respect, gratitude, patience, loyalty, sincerity, and meekness are just some of the characteristics we should strive to attain in our lifetimes. These virtues should be celebrated, taught, and encouraged. Let's do it.