A few month ago, I tried penning a blog about the value found in opposition; particularly addressing the current political climate. I couldn't finish it. It felt forced and unnatural, and it continued to separate the whole of us as a country. Then I started listening to Hamilton: An American Musical. I think I finally found my words.
Whether or not you like musicals, this one does a good job of bringing several different genres into a single work. The influences range from rap, classical music, rock, and "traditional" musicals. It uses different motifs from each genre to accompany the scenes, identify the characters, and really… It's just a smart musical.
Music aside, the most interesting part of the musical is the narrative. The story immediately juxtaposes the story of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, his friend turned rival. Their stories are the same, both of them are orphans and alone. The way that they choose to address their obstacles differ greatly, and the musical follows how they approach the changing political climate through and after the American Revolution.
Hamilton has his brain, and Burr has nothing else but his name. One man goes for it seeing that he has nothing to lose, and the other has nothing to lose but the fame he has yet to gain. They both succeed, whether if it's out of dedication or obsession, hope or desperation… It's up to the audience. It also depends on what your perspective is on either man, good or bad.
But that's all it is, isn't it? Perspective.
Hamilton and Burr state clearly what they think of each other, and occasionally how they think of themselves. Depending on what you value, you might love one character more than I do, solely because different values and traits speak to us. Obviously, the play has a slight bias considering the protagonist. Neither man really had any reason to succeed considering their backgrounds, but they did anyway… Through the help of their friends and indirectly the people who opposed them… And challenged them to be better.
Opposition is important because it challenges our current modes of thought. It demands that we think critically about what it is we believe, and why someone else might not agree. The history of our nation is one that is built on the backs of [religious] refugees and entrepreneurs. It's built by the deaths of the rebellious and the hope for new life. It's one where we take as much as we feel is taken from us.
That's all dependent on who you ask, and what part you want to focus on.
Often times we focus so much on the stories and facts that resonate best with us, that we don't ask what resonates with other people. That's a problem. Both sides have terrible and awful and beautiful and great stories that need to be shared. How else can we learn from each other?
This country succeeds because of our adventurous and determined spirit, our investment in our minds and investment in the soil. The brave are successful because we've built and valued communities that are ready to welcome us back if, and when, we fail. Sometimes we're better at protecting our own interests, and sometimes protecting others… Sometimes our goals are the same, but approach is different. We aim for the best, but occasionally miss. Without feedback, we can't improve our stance, and give ourselves the best shot.
One of my favorite songs is Dear Theodosia, where both men sing about joy and for the safety of their children. Despite the rise and fall of each man's career, relationships, and eventual lives… They hoped for safety and the best things for themselves… and especially for the potential of their families and children in this nation. Isn't that what most people want?
There will never be a right or wrong way to go about complex problems. We're full of greatness and contradictions. We need to accept the duality in ourselves to accept it in other people. Oversimplifying someone else robs you the chance of being seen as something other than simple-minded. We're the heroes in our own stories, and the villains in others.
Despite our differences, we need to learn to live in the middle and share the space with each other. We need to recognize that someone else's experiences and hopes and fears are equally as valid. Both sides are awful at certain things, and amazing at others… But you can't see it unless you stop being dismissive and listen.
At the end of the day, we all want to make America greater. We value it for different things, and none of those things are more or less significant. More than anything, our loyalty and love for our country binds us together like the fabric in our flags. We weaken with holes in the seams that we choose not to repair. The world is wide enough for all of us.
We just need be better bridges.
