I have been fascinated by our tendency to blame others. I'm referring to all of us. When something happens that I don't like, it seems easier to bear if I don't take any responsibility. Let's start with the way I am now. I'll blame my upbringing. It was something specific that happened to me that made me the way I am. Something in my childhood. Perhaps it was a pattern of behavior in my family that occurred over several years. Maybe it was just one traumatic incident that scarred me forever.
How about daily activities? I drop a glass on the floor and it shatters into a thousand pieces. Do I blame myself? Of course not. My spouse was talking to me and distracted my attention. I can be angry at her! My child wets the bed. I know, it's my wife's fault for not reminding me to take them to the bathroom right before bedtime. It's nice when I can blame others. It's so convenient. It feels so good to not be at fault for bad things that happen.
If I perfect it enough, I'll never have to take the blame for anything that ever happens. It makes me feel so good. President Obama is a good target. Such a public figure, and so vulnerable, so available to take the blame.
We had a speaker at a men's retreat talk about his battle with sexual addictions. He made a comment to his father on a morning walk that he wasn't sure why he did those things. His father responded, "You did it because you wanted to."
What would happen if we all took full responsibility for our actions? How would it change our communication with our spouse? Would it impact my job? How would it change the judicial system? What would the impact be on international relations? I can't change the world, but I can start by taking full responsibility for everything I do and say. No excuses. The buck stops here. Good idea. Blame Harry.
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