Upon reflection concerning current events, I believe the killing of George Floyd causes collective trauma. Trauma is at the root of all societies’ ills.
Domestic violence, child sexual assault, physical assault, psychological/gaslighting abuse, financial abuse, abuse by the legal system to include police, courts, judges, and prisons, abuse of religious beliefs, and racism all result in trauma. Unleashed trauma destroys individuals. This collective trauma exponentially impacts society at large because it generates a cycle of future trauma.
Before we can eradicate racism we must break the cycle of trauma. The healing of societies’ trauma requires a multidisciplinary team of policy makers. The complexity of trauma in all its forms requires a panel represented by the highest level of expertise in each discipline. And even with the existence of such expertise, major challenges will remain.
Communication will be a major barrier. Each discipline has a specific construct or concept of understanding words and meanings based on their field of expertise.
A sophisticated team needs to convene immediately to counteract the devastation caused by societal trauma and to facilitate the healing of America.
Trauma must be replaced with healthy, safe homes, ample jobs with a living wage, universal health care, and guard rails in place for those citizens who through no fault of their own cannot provide for themselves.
Trauma often causes some to fall into poverty, homelessness, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Society must recognize the causes of these conditions. Are PTSD, untreated mental illness, or physical handicaps preventing individuals from succeeding? Traumatized people require targeted services to overcome barriers in order to live an independent, dignified life.
Trauma needs to be eradicated beginning with kindness, caring, and love of thy neighbor. This approach must begin with our youngest citizens. No more hungry, sexually or physically abused children, and no more children in cages. Let’s all become involved in eliminating trauma. It is the genesis of universal pain.
PAULA CZECH LESMERISES
Concord