Good Trouble, Reflections on MLK Jr.

"Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, we must see the need of having nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men to rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood." ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter From Birmingham Jail, August 1963.

The third Monday in January is a Federal holiday every year to commemorate a national hero for some, and a despised and hated Black man for others. Various quotes have been shared since MLK's assassination in '68, but the quotes shared often seem to be the more palatable ones. The more agitating quotes from MLK Jr., the ones that disturb the status quo- those are curiously not shared.

I chose to share the above MLK Jr. quote because it highlights the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and social justice. As I am psychotherapist with interest in all three realms, I believed it worthwhile to share what's on my mind and perhaps on the mind of others. "Ris[ing] from the bondage of myths and half-truths" ~ isn't that a great definition of better mental health? In psychology, a particular technique utilized for greater understanding and relief of symptoms is Socratic questioning of our own thoughts, arrowing down to a person's core beliefs. Examination of beliefs in therapy can reveal irrational thoughts and cognitive distortions, which fuel emotional states and influence subsequent actions.

"An unexamined life is not worth living" ~ Socrates

Once a person becomes aware of irrationality of thoughts, opportunity arises to reframe those thoughts to be more helpful, hopeful, and empowering. Quiet reflection with increasing awareness yields greater opportunity to take responsibility for our own thoughts and emotions. For example, no one caused you to get angry. Somebody did something that you objected to, and you got angry. Learn to own and label your emotions so you can transform them and channel the energy into something productive.

"Ris[ing] from the bondage of myths and half-truths" ~ I don't think it accident his choice of words "bondage." He was a Black man making reference to the wholesale subjugation and slavery of a race not accepted as equals. Can the "backlash" from The 1619 Project be another attempt at myth and half-truth, an attempt to whitewash history? Some revisionist history apparently refers to 17th century Blacks as immigrants, as if they had a choice to come here. Therapy can reveal quite the mental gymnastics employed to justify what we want to continue. People can opine about states rights and totally disregard the truth of documented slavery.

..."from the dark depths of prejudice and racism" ~ those are trigger words, I know. Back then it was whipping with the cat of nine tails, then lynching. Sidestepping the invariable denial of personal racism, did you realize you can choose to be antiracist? That means calling out "foul" when untoward words are said, when discrimination happens, while also rooting for fair play. "And justice for all" is not just an epic Metallica album ["Eye of the Beholder" lyrics], but also a vital part of our Pledge of Allegiance. All means all, unless a person wants to return to Plessy vs Ferguson and the half-truth of separate but equal. Mental gymnastics, indeed.

Would Dr. King stand today for the gutting of the landmark Voting Rights Act? Why is there even debate about redlining, redistricting, gerrymandering, removal of polling places, diminished access to vote? We hold these truths to be self-evident. Powerful people want to hold onto power. The Founding Fathers foresaw this, (more Hobbes than Locke?) and intentionally inserted checks and balances into the three branches of government. Curious that these branches are still vying for turf today. Conflict is at hand.

Before a rising-above can occur, there is the prerequisite "tension in the mind." Tension will always be a part of life, a conflict between what is and what could be. How we choose to respond to the tension-conflict often determines the direction and quality of outcome. I am reminded of Thomas Crum's book "The Magic of Conflict" which weaves the author's martial arts expertise of aikido into navigating the complexities of life and relationships. Redirecting energy has its wisdom and relevance, even in today's frenetic paced society, rather than direct confrontation with undesired outcomes. Perhaps this is also why MLK Jr. advocated for nonviolence, as he promoted and created tension.

Arising to "the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal" ~ I am struck first by the word unfettered. No more chains! No more powerful majority shackling and constraining the minority. An unfettered mind is a mind free from the power of myths and half-truths, from others and from ourselves. "Objective appraisal" brings to mind the important distinction between subjective opinion and objective fact. There is even a hashtag #facts which often declares a believed opinion and not a fact, thus muddying the waters.

"Objective appraisal" is like applying the scientific method to our own thought life. We simply don't have to believe everything we think, or read, or hear. Keep asking the question, is this really true? this thought that's captivating you. What's the objective evidence? Creative analysis can employ a photography analogy, e.g. changing the camera angle is looking at events/situations from another perspective. For example, choosing to empathize with a presumed opponent or partner is an intentional choice to see things from another perspective.

"...to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood." Majestic heights brings to mind the mountaintop experience, a literal mountain and/or a spiritual destination. A lightening of burden, a refreshing of experience, a renewed perspective. "Of understanding and brotherhood" ~ we have a universal need to see and be seen. MLK was also a Christian minister, and the song-prayer of St. Francis "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace" resonates with the eloquent words he spoke.

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek, So much to be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love with all my soul.

It doesn't go unnoticed that terms master and servant can recall the horrors of slavery, but I hope this invocation of Master brings to mind the Creator referenced in the Declaration of Independence and Higher Power referenced in AA. Master used in this fashion is the Divine Love, Source, Universe, respecting our individual belief systems, and honoring the totality of the First Amendment. For those who don't believe in a Higher Power or Master, the word and concept may be omitted. There is an admirable taking responsibility for one's own actions within humanism.

"Understanding and brotherhood" reflects our interconnectedness, our relational value to one another. A truth about philosophy as well as psychology is that we create the meaning out of events, in addition to recognizing value in others. [If you can understand "one man's trash is another man's treasure," then you can understand CBT.] Recognizing value in others, acknowledging that value, feeling gratitude. For the rest of our days, let us consider each other, to uphold what is right and just, stirring up good trouble to invoke the better angels of our nature.

Does this belong on LinkedIn? Absolutely, because it's about the business of relating to one another, as equal coworkers and as neighbors. Employees have a right to work in a safe environment free from prejudice and discrimination, where they matter to the boss, not just as a line-item labor cost but as valuable human beings worthy of dignity and respect. Cheers!