By: Corey Roush
For much of my life, I have chosen not to immerse myself deeply in politics, deciding not to vote when I turned 18. This choice arose from my observations and experiences, leading to a healthy skepticism about the political system. However, as I have reflected on my journey and healed from past challenges, my perspective has evolved. My wife, a passionate advocate for women’s rights and equality, actively engages in political matters. She embodies these values every day, even when not always in the spotlight.
Now, I am eager to support her efforts and honor the experiences of women who have faced marginalization. Many of these challenges often begin in childhood and can extend into adulthood. As I reflect on my relationship with my daughter, I think about how to empower her against the difficulties I’ve faced and those she may encounter as a woman. Alongside her mother and stepmother, we are committed to breaking free from the harmful patterns perpetuated by patriarchal systems, even those from which I’ve unknowingly benefited.
Historically, these systems have prioritized a singular perspective, leading to issues like toxic masculinity that can disempower women and create unhealthy dependency. While public statements may promote equality, the underlying behaviors often tell a different story. These messages are woven into our media and culture, sometimes making women feel smaller or inferior to their male counterparts. Through this awareness, I’ve learned to distinguish between true love and codependency, allowing us to embrace healthier forms of affection and diminish reliance on external validation. Unfortunately, asserting independence can sometimes be met with resistance, but this highlights how toxic dynamics affect us all, including men.
Healthy masculinity is about respecting and appreciating the feminine without seeking validation. It's about being in touch with our emotions and expressing them confidently and thoughtfully—qualities that can inspire the same in the women around us. While I reflect on these dynamics, I recognize that this conversation extends beyond traditional gender binaries. Masculinity and femininity are universal aspects found within us all, and embracing both leads to a deeper understanding and a more balanced perspective.
Through open dialogue and awareness, we can cultivate healthier relationships—both within ourselves and among each other—ultimately working toward a more compassionate and just society. An important part of this journey involves confronting the parts of ourselves that we may have buried due to shame or fear. Whether through personal growth or the pursuit of self-understanding, acknowledging these hidden aspects—often called the "shadow"—enables us to integrate them, freeing us from constraints. I find that this work leads to a richer understanding of who I am and allows me to engage more fully in my life. It’s an opportunity to pause and reflect: Am I truly being myself? Is how I treat others in line with my values? Do the values I convey reflect my personal integrity?
This concept of light and shadow is not merely abstract; it resonates deeply within our shared human experience. The balance of light and dark exists not only in the universe but within each of us. Learning to embrace both facets fosters personal growth and mutual understanding.
I have also realized that participating in politics is crucial, which is why I am choosing to vote this year. Representation matters, and I feel particularly inspired by the potential of a woman of color and mixed ethnicity having a genuine opportunity for the presidency. This diversity is essential to our democratic process and reflects true representation of multiple perspectives.
It is vital to stay aware of the current political climate, including concerning discourse about potential political coups and divisive rhetoric. Reflecting on the foundational values of the Republican Party for example—such as the progressive ideals championed by Lincoln—invites us to honor those principles as we navigate forward. Historically, Republicans have advocated for racial equality and pushed for the abolition of slavery. Figures like Rosa Parks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have inspired us all to be positive, peaceful change agents through the power of our voices, advocating respect and kindness rooted in wisdom and universal truths. These are the same truths our Constitution embodies: that all people are created equal.
Furthermore, in the context of religions, many influential figures, such as Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, and Muhammad, have emphasized peace, unity, and service to others. Since Christianity is the predominant religion in the U.S., I pose a simple question: Would Jesus isolate foreigners or cast aside the elderly, the infirm, the poor, or those deemed morally questionable? Did he align only with the elite or the powerful? This moment calls us to pause and reflect on our true values and commitment to others.
If this message challenges you, I see it as an invitation for open and thoughtful dialogue. We can all acknowledge that both major political parties have their shortcomings, yet the focus should remain on empathy, compassion, and justice in leadership. It’s also critical to address the persistent overlooking of harmful choices made by individuals within our justice system, as well as the need for better resources to help ex-offenders
We must also recognize the importance of providing adequate funding for facilities that help individuals, such as ex-convicts, fully reintegrate into society, as well as ensuring that our veterans receive the respect and care they deserve after sacrificing so much for our country. This moment calls for us to pause and reflect on the balance and unity of all humanity. Every life matters, without exception, full stop.
Regardless of our political beliefs, I believe we can all agree that our nation’s future should be built upon values like hope, unity, peace, love, and justice for everyone. These principles unite us as human beings and encourage us to rise above divisions created by oceans, borders, religions, and politics. We are all part of the same family; we are all children of this planet. In fact, biology illustrates that all life originated from a single point, echoing the creation stories shared in the Bible. We are all connected.
I do not know about you, but I am personally weary of the anger, conflict, and division that often dominate our discourse. Everyone deserves peace—myself, my wife, my daughter, your children, and your families. We all have the right to pursue peace, to strive for it, and to seek it. However, it must first be cultivated within each of us, allowing us to share it authentically with others.
History shows that silence in the face of injustice enables harmful behaviors to thrive. By speaking up and engaging with one another respectfully, we can inspire positive change. When good people choose to stay silent, injustice prevails. Ignoring wrongdoing makes us complicit in it. Our survival—both on this planet and beyond—depends on how well we collaborate and work together.
Let us move forward as a united community, grounded in our shared humanity and guided by a commitment to love and justice for all. We are all interconnected; we are all family. Remember, you are another expression of me, and together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world.
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