Some of what we are witnessing is the fallout from what it means to be expected and to expect oneself to operate at high levels of excellence and achievement, while at the same time contending with the constant public scrutiny of those who play out their lives through the public performance of actors, athletes and artists and the transactional demands of fans and entertainment industries. Public performers are-as much as we would like to ignore-human beings subject to the same heights of achievement, depths of feeling, experiences of trauma, failures and frailty that we all experience. The scrutiny and energy that is projected onto them must take a toll.
When public actors do not live up to our projected expectations some of us respond as if we are bystanders on a school yard playground egging on the fight for our own amusement and entertainment; others of us who are affected by histories of trauma are triggered and wish the same punishment on these public actors as we would like meted out to those who have caused us pain. Finding healthy resolutions to conflict amid the constant barrage and pummeling of public commentary, hero’s praise or death wishes, without adequate boundaries, constraint and sage wisdom to guide the process will be difficult if not unlikely. The arguments that ensue, the judgments unleashed, and sides taken eventually overtake social media actors’ and consumers and sweep us all into a swell of dis-ease and states of depletion of what is needed to remain grounded and in tune with who we are and who we are meant to be.
Acknowledgment and accountability are necessary for true healing and reconciliation. Healing and reconciliation are more likely to take place outside of the public gaze of those intent on keeping score, stoking the embers of conflict or not yet ready to forgive even when those primarily involved have acknowledged the injury, attempted to make amends and have moved on. To light the path to justice and healing, be prayerful and ponder the best way to use your energy in light of all of the energy that is being projected and unleashed in the current moment.
Social Witnessing and Mental Health
