Simply said, Ubuntu is defined as "I am because of who we all are" [1]. It's an acknowledgement of the reality that a human being is one in relationship with others. We are born into families and communities, and they are part of defining us. As a British poet has said, "No man is an island." When people become isolated or lonely, they lose some of their humanity. We see them become more suspicious, more bitter and less able to have simple, respectful conversations.
I've been thinking about ubuntu in an era of polarization.
I've been thinking about ubuntu when I see more signs posted in retail and service industry spaces letting people know that abusive and harassing language and behavior will not be tolerated. Apparently, customers and clients are letting loose with verbal volleys.
I've been thinking about ubuntu because of what American physician Sharon Heron has written about social determinants of health [2]. She says that every individual needs three things and five communities to thrive and experience physical and mental wellbeing. She says the three things are something meaningful to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. Furthermore, the five stable communities needed include one's family of origin, one's work or volunteer community, one's neighborhood, one's faith community, and one's current family or household.
And yet we see social ties eroding on every front There are people we don't or won't talk to anymore. We perceive others as hostile if they are not "like us."
I've been thinking about ubuntu because it is compatible with the second great commandment that Jesus highlighted. Answering the call to self-giving love will help build and rebuild community and relationships.
During my year of ubuntu, I will endeavor to be more intentional about fostering community and respect with the people I encounter, day after day. And I'm not waiting until January 1st.
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[1] This definition is given on the website of an open source software initiative of the same name: https://ubuntu.com/about
[2] To read her full article, see https://harvardmacy.org/blog/the-heron-8
[3] Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash
