Compassionate City
June 10, 2019
Farid's words of forgiveness
OPINION - JOHN SELLWOOD
It seems to me that compassion lies at the very heart of what it means to be human. Being concerned for those who we know and love, our family and our friends is part of who we are it’s burned deep in our DNA. The nurturing of children, the kindness of friends, helping out by lending a hand, these are societal norms we expect when dealing with our nearest and dearest - but what about caring for strangers or even more difficult those who see us as an enemy?
Small acts kindness towards those we know or like make everyone feel good, strengthening friendship and cooperation, and ultimately this kind of compassion seems to be one of the fundamental biological drivers for human success. Kindness and reciprocity are traits we start developing as toddlers when we begin learning that playing happily in the sandpit with others will likely require sharing our toys.
But how do you grow-up showing compassion towards those who hate you and have no intention of sharing or playing nice. How to your respond with compassion when someone’s prejudice and hate destroys the very thing you love? Here compassion surely becomes an act of extraordinary courage and commitment, an intention based on values that transcend rage and the desire for retribution.
Perhaps forgiveness and compassion are conjoined. Because how can you show kindness while holding feelings of hatred or the desire for revenge? I suggest you can’t you have to be able to push those feelings aside no matter how justifiable they maybe. Which is why I feel such deep admiration and respect for the wisdom and strength of Farid Ahmed.
Farid’s wife Husna was among the 51-people who died after terror attacks on two Christchurch Mosques on the 15th of March, 2019. Husna was shot after leading others to safety, returning to the Al Noor Mosque to check on her husband.
Recently, The #CharterforCompassion asked for a #video supporting compassionate cities as part of a #linkedInCompassionAward initiative to increase compassion online – I can only say Christchurch is truly fortunate have compassionate people like Farid Ahmed living in our city, his actions remind us that what it means to see beyond hate and to embrace our shared humanity. I believe he sets an example for the rest of us to follow regardless of race, culture or belief. Thank you to a man I don't know but who has inspired so many around the world with his selfless love. I would like to nominate Farid for this award for his video speech during New Zealand's national memorial service for the victim's of the Mosque attacks. ( Telling Lives Story - vision available to all excluding tvnz footage )
There are important lessons here for those watching New Zealand's own homegrown platforms which are taxpayer supported through NZ on Air. Whether freeview or payview, what are we actually seeing and why? what are we actually paying for and why? Are we simply paying millions to subsidise commercially fragile kiwi media platforms or are we paying to ensure a future for kiwi made factual content? These questions are particularly relevant as the government considers new funding models for both film and television.
The property was purchased by Habitus Group for the development of six new sustainable homes. But before they could start any new builds on the site they had to deal with the old and what job! Check out the Habitus link below.
https://habitusgroup.co.nz/showcase/