LETTER: Treat each other properly, and we will all be in a better place

To Ozaukee Press:

Ethos is a word that can be used to refer to the soul or character of a society, which is determined by the core beliefs we have in America. These beliefs describe the unwritten rules on how Americans relate to each other. These rules are developed over a very long time and are passed on from generation to generation. Our ethos determines the unwritten rules used for civil discourse. It is not easy to change a society’s core ethos, but it will change if we don’t pay attention.

America has been and continues to be undergoing rapid and intense change. It is driven by a variety of elements including technology, social media and the increasing diversity of our population.

Religions typically provided society’s core belief system through their rituals. Unfortunately, religions are struggling to be relevant today to the younger and diverse population. Religions are slow to update their means of being relevant and, therefore, they have had limited success in providing a core message that resonates across religions and our diverse society.

But there is at least one core belief that all religions and non-religious belief systems have in common that we can use when it comes to our relationship with others: treat others as you want to be treated. This is a global concept from the principles of ethics and all religions that can be used to guide our relationships and social discourse.

The next time you interact with others, see someone being treated unjustly or hear an opinion or rhetoric that violates this global principle, consider calling it out. Show others there is a better way to respond to differences by first reflecting on how you would like others to react to your opinion and then act accordingly.

If each of us takes a little time to think about this global principle before we react, America’s ethos will go in the right direction. We are not going to stop the rapid development of technology, the invasion of social media or the growing diversity of our society. Nor should we. Let’s embrace these vehicles of change, because if we treat each other properly, American will evolve, and its ethos will lead the world to a better place.

Bill Weber
Mequon