Have I lost my Mind? Part II

It's common knowledge that Southerners wave at those they pass on the highway. My wife used to ask me, "Who was that?"

 "I don't know".

"Then why'd you wave?"

We do it without thinking. It's just part of the Southern culture. I've noticed tho, that we usually  do this more when driving through rural areas and small towns. You don't see people waving at random strangers in downtown Atlanta, for instance.

The conventional wisdom is that people outside the South wonder if you've lost your mind if you wave at strangers. I remember when I was a young child my Dad unthinkingly waved at some guy on a motorcycle in Lancaster, PA. He was rewarded with a middle finger salute. So I was warned before moving to Indiana that I would need to change my ways.

I'm sorry, I cant't help it. I just wave when I drive. Or if I'm just a passenger. I even wave at the Amish family riding by in their buggy. I'm so pleased when they wave back! I've even had people wave at me first! You can imagine my pleasure when that happens!

So, have I managed, by the sheer magnitude of my personality, to change the culture in Northwestern Indiana? I wish I could say that. It would be wonderful to have that kind of influence wouldn't it? I think the correct answer is that conventional wisdom is wrong. Sure, you go riding through downtown Goshen waving at everybody and you're gonna get some strange looks. You might even have someone wave back with an extended middle finger. But, out in the country-side, people occasionally wave at those they pass or someone driving by. It makes me smile and feel at home, especially when the wave is initiated by the other person. Yeah, I know, sometimes it's because they mistake me for someone else, but I'll take it!

There really are a lot of friendly people around here!

You're Just Weird!

I'm fascinated by Amish people. I don't really understand them, despite growing up in a faith family that shares roots with the Amish. Many of the thought processes that define how they live are very similar to the ones I was taught growing up in the Mennonite Church. So I'm fascinated. I wonder what my Amish neighbor thinks of me. What does he say about me to his children as they go by in their buggy. Do they even consider me remarkable enough to comment?

There are other people I encounter who are very different from me. The young thug with the sagging pants and exposed boxers is a good example. I know what I think and feel when I see him. What does he think and feel when he sees me? I'm not sure I want to know.

Ever wonder what goes through Donald Trump's mind  when he rubs elbows with regular everyday people on the street? What does he really think of you? (I assume you are a regular person. Why would an irregular person read this blog?) Consider your favorite celebrity. What do they think and feel when they move about among the general population? Do they wonder what it would be like to not be a celebrity. Can they empathize with the "fry guy" at McDonald's? Do they even have a clue about the lifestyle of people who don't enjoy nearly unlimited finances?

Ever spend much time around homeless people? There are different kinds you know. Some of them are mentally ill. Some are just down on their luck. Some are kids who ran away from home. What emotions attach themselves to the mental images you have of each of these?

Did you ever wonder if your opinions of who these people are inside are accurate? Here's a novel idea. When you interact with people who are different from you spend time discovering things you agree on. You might be surprised at what you discover. It will help you be civil when you discover your differences.

What do you think of this idea? Have any good stories about encounters with people very different from you?