“Midwestern values may seem dated and immaterial to our cosmopolitan existences, yet consider it an alternative to judgement and intolerance.”
By LORELLE DAVIES
News headlines, social media, and water cooler conversations are troubling leading up to this election year. I have often thought over the last few weeks, what will become of this Great Nation if we continue to raise our future citizens to be so disrespectful and angry. Intolerance has become the language and method of practicing civic engagement in many cities.
Arguably, our impression of what it means to exercise civic engagement remain personal and unique concepts to most American citizens. Most would agree that civic engagement means that Americans take pride in their freedom of speech, the right to challenge government, and our desire to create a future better for our children. Yet, how we practice our freedoms and seek prosperity is where the disagreements seem to begin. Many of my civic minded ideals were generated and mirror the ideals my relative’s role model in our family and this local community.
My parents have served this community as a teacher, business members, church congregational members, through music and, now a current county commissioner. Dad and Mom taught us a great many things growing up including civic engagement and community stewardship. Many of you know my folks well, and spend a great deal more time with them each week than I. Many of you exhibit and share the same civic minded service to the community as my folks. This is a little of what I learned from this community.
First, never underestimate the value of being courteous to others. A smile, wave or simple, “You done good” is free even if imprisoned in grammatical errors. Dad freely expresses his appreciation for the efforts of the church choir, community band, or most anyone, with a, “You done good.” Inquiries about who Dad waves to on the highway swiftly become redundant. Either Dad knows everyone receiving a wave or no one that receives a wave, neither is of relevance or was given much consideration. Courteous behavior exists and is practiced simply because they are the right things to do regardless of level, title, or something earned. It does not matter if you are the plumber, sales executive (brother), military officer (sister), director, or professor (me) be courteous to all you encounter.
Nothing is more personally satisfying than a hard day’s work. Nothing in life is free, and relatively little is fair, but working hard and taking care of ourselves is something we all do have equal right. No one can take away the pride in knowing that you did a good job. Mom and Dad taught each of us, sister and brother equally, to care for ourselves. We can all cook, clean, sew, change a tire, and balance a checkbook. Dad taught us if you can take it apart, you can probably fix it and put it back together. Plus, tasks that require exertion are easier if you stick your tongue out while doing it. If you know my Dad, you are now sticking your tongue out. In Dad’s defense, he only forgot me out digging ditches a few times. Oh, and grandkids should be allowed to use power tools at the age of six and toddlers are given paring knives to cook with grandma at about two.
We learned that working hard, being independent, and self-sufficient are also civic minded skills you can use to help your neighbor, making coffee at church, and volunteer. Civic engagement is sharing time, talents, and treasures regardless of how insignificant they seem to you at the time.
Diversity growing up was demonstrated as Lutheran or Catholic. Yet, this is an example of how Midwestern values continue to evolve. Today in this same community my daughter’s summer visits to her grandparents include interdenominational camp and activities. Tolerance and freedom evolved in this tiny community to celebrate even the most invisible differences. Today, my German Father learned to make potato Lefse with my Norwegian Mother every Christmas and only makes a few Ole and Lena jokes while doing it.
Midwestern values may seem dated and immaterial to our cosmopolitan existences, yet consider it an alternative to judgement and intolerance. And by the way, the choir always stands while singing of the National Anthem. The band sits during the playing of the National Anthem, while playing their part in the harmony. Dad would say we might miss a note in the song, but it is important to keep playing, singing, and showing up.
(Lorelle Davies, also known as Lori Brackel, is the daughter of Lynn and Judith Brackel of Bowman.)
What a refreshing perspective about kindness and respect to of one another!
Well said, Lori .