Freedom of Values
As many people are still courageously fighting for the right to freedom that may have been denied because of their “difference”: gender, sexuality, skin color, nationality, religion, etc., it is important to fight for freedom of values. This is harder as values are less tangible, less visible, and often we don’t even know what our own values are. However, these underlying beliefs significantly influence our behavior, and sometimes not in the most conscious way. Differing values are also the source of much conflict- which is clear in American politics today. People seem to be holding tightly to their values without considering the importance of the “other” person’s values.
This is Shalom Schwartz’s initial model of cultural values (he has gone on to develop an even more nuanced approach).
By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45356432
But even by looking at this simpler model, it is easy to see how conflicts can arise in people who have values on opposite sides of the circle. I used his model in post-graduate research in the UK and when I taught MBA students. I asked my students to locate where they generally sit on the value wheel and to consider how they might feel about someone who holds the opposite values. I also asked them to look at the wheel from a systemic, cultural perspective and to consider which values are needed for a balanced society. The answer is that they all have their benefits, but also have their potential issues, particularly if the wheel is imbalanced in certain areas, for instance if the culture is all about achieving power. However, power isn’t all bad either, we need a sense of agency in order to get things done.
It is important to consider the difference between the value and the behaviors that are often associated with the value. For instance, those who are concerned with tradition and security may engage in more “positive” behaviors such as honoring those who have fallen for our country. However, racism and sexism and defending the 2nd amendment may also seem to be more associated with this side of the circle as the drive for security can often make us afraid of anything that is different to us and perhaps have us hold onto ideas that are outdated. I would suggest that some of those who find kneeling in front of the flag offensive do so because of how they value tradition. They may perceive it as dishonoring those who risked their lives or gave their lives to protect their country.
Openness to change also plays an important role in society but can also be problematic. Encouraging innovation and accepting people who do not fit the norm bring in the imaginal and inclusivity. However, this drive for freedom and stimulation can also become tyrannical. Some might argue that the need for self-direction and stimulation may be the drive behind the explosion of technical innovations, some of which may not be contributing positively to the greater society. I would say that this, along with universalism are the values that drive some people to support kneeling in front of the flag as a form of protest. They want the American ideals of freedom and democracy to be realized for all and changing the status quo is a part of that.
Understanding another person’s values and allowing them their freedom of values may be one of the steps that we can do to hopefully lessen the divides in our country. Other people’s values may not be your values and certainly their behaviors may not sit right with you, however it is worth asking yourself “what is the value behind the behavior and how might that value be important to them?” That is part of psychological maturation, having your own internal compass and being clear about our own values, but also appreciating that not everyone may share them. This allowance of freedom of values, does NOT mean that we let people get away with behaviors that are damaging. We should certainly challenge racists or sexist, or other biased, beliefs and behaviors.
I'm not sure what the artist's intentions were for this street art from Athens, Greece, but it called to me as it seems to show the differences that are within us as well as those differences that appear in our outward images. There appear to be differences in races, genders, sizes, and shapes, but there are also differences in what lies inside of us. We don't all hold the same values or the same world views; they are unique to each individual, and we need to cultivate some tolerance of others who don't think exactly like we do.