What Role do We Play?

The attack on the capital last week was possibly one of the most despicable events that has occurred in modern-day America.

It’s also a quintessential example of the great lengths that people will go in search of community, identity, and purpose — what I have come to call the three pillars of meaning. These are the three things that I believe bring meaning to human life.

Last week, people from around the country migrated to Washington DC to connect with their tribe. In DC they found a community of others who shared their values and interests.

These people put on MAGA hats, held up confederate flags, and even dressed up as vikings…to express their unique identity.

They rampaged the capitol building to reclaim their “stolen” election. So driven by this purpose, that many in fact endangered their own lives in its pursuit.

Community, Identity, and Purpose.

These are the same things that motivate members of terrorist organizations, gangs, and cults.

They are also what motivate attendees of Burning Man, clients of Soul Cycle, and employees of Apple.

Why have those who rioted last week resorted to such destructive means of accessing community, identity, and purpose?

Perhaps these people were robbed of purpose when their jobs were automated away by big tech.

Perhaps they were robbed of identity when their gender and race were vilified by the media.

Perhaps they were robbed of community when the prescription opioid epidemic destroyed their hometowns.

I don’t say this to make excuses for these people. There are no excuses for the attack on Democracy that occurred last week.

I say this so that we can all become a bit more aware of the impact that our actions have on the community, identity, and purpose of those around us.

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