I was just reading an article, where people were quoted saying

“Here in America, supposedly the most progressive thinking country in the world, […]”

This in the context of primary/secondary education, but I’ve seen it used in other discussions also. The rest of the sentence raised an issue of concern, but this common pre-able set the tone in an unhelpful way. While I’m all for a positive self-image, it can get in the way of accuracy and reality.

From my observations, the only people who actually believe the above are Americans themselves, and it’s seriously hindering improving and fixing things. After all, if you believe you’re the best, there’s little incentive to improve – instead you’ll just spend your time telling others how good you are and how to do things (better, your way). Sound familiar?

Phases of dealing with things:

• Confusion and Agitation
• Denial
• Anger & Depression
• Testing Phase
• Uneasy Acceptance

I used to think that the US (as a whole) was still in the Denial phase, but on review and considering events over recent years, I reckon it’s more Anger & Depression. While those terms may appear worrying (as do the words and actions we see), it’s obviously a great step forward! I hope it keeps moving.