"The most dangerous people in the world are not the tiny minority instigating evil acts, but those who do the acts for them."

- Suzy Kassem

Don’t Double Toil and Trouble

A high school class learning about the Salem Witch Trials was told they’re going to play a game.

The teacher told the students, "I'm going to come around and whisper to each of you whether you're a witch or a regular person. Your goal is to build the largest group possible that does NOT have a witch in it. At the end, any group with a witch gets a failing grade."

Once she finished, the teens dove right in and began grilling each other. 

A fairly large group formed, pointing fingers and making assumptions. Smaller exclusive groups formed who generally didn’t agree or like the larger group for various reasons. Each group was different but similar in that they all turned away anybody they thought might be a witch. 

"Okay, ready?" the teacher asked. 

"You've got your groups. Time to find out which ones fail. All witches, please raise your hands."

No one raised a hand.

The kids were confused and accused the teacher of messing up the game.

"Did I? Was anyone in Salem an actual witch? Or did everyone just believe what they'd been told?"

Is there any information you’ve heard recently that has made you judge a neighbor?

Information that is “true” today, that may possibly not be as true tomorrow?

Don't hate the player...

PS. Any person or community come to mind while reading this? This week I challenge you to engage in a conversation with the intent to understand (not persuade) why someone might have their perspective. No agreeing required.