“Reach Across The Aisle”
In all of history, our society has never been more divisive. Whether it is politically, socially or ideologically, people just can’t seem to even try to agree. Not even explore the possibility of seeing another person’s point of view. ”Can’t we all just be friends”?
Many years ago, famed UCLA Basketball Coach, John Wooden coined the phrase, ”disagree, but don’t be disagreeable” Being a big John Wooden fan, that phrase has resonated with me for many years. Everyone has their own interpretation of Coach Wooden’s now famous phrase. and I am no different! Coach Wooden was a master at taking student athletes from different backgrounds and blending them into championship teams. Coach Wooden used basic social mores, Christian values and common sense to mold his teams into strongly functional championship units. He used the common sense approach of urging people to be respectful, listen to another persons point of view and have positive dialogue. Wooden felt that this approach was a means for athletic teams, families, politicians etc., to celebrate their different points of view and co-exist. Not only co-exist, but thrive and be successful.
Another phrase with an unknown origin that has been coined over a number of years is “reach across the aisle” With this phrase the word aisle is symbolic of the divide between people of different political beliefs. In this case, Republicans and Democrats and Conservatives and Liberals. This phrase is an attempt to encourage people with different political views, to come together as one.
“Disagree, but don’t be disagreeable” “Reach across the aisle” “Can’t we just be friends” These phrases offer a sign of hope, cooperation, respect and a willingness to put our agendas aside for the greater good. Aren’t these phrases merely a return to the lessons our parents and grandparents tried to teach us? Respect your elders, be polite, don’t interrupt etc. In my Life Coaching practice I commonly use the question .”how would a ten year old solve this challenge”? A ten year old would solve the challenge with simplicity and honesty! Most likely they would say, ”can’t we just be friends”?