LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Overcome division to solve real problems

Collaboration feels like a lost art. We’ve grown so deep into individualism that it’s no wonder we constantly argue over our small differences; gender, culture, nationality. We’ve been sold the narrative for decades that “making it” in life means being able to draw our line in the sand around the single plot of land we deem as “ours” and use it to protect our belongings.

But what of our neighbors? What kind of society have we become where we only look toward other people as a potential risk, not as community members. Is it Christian to look upon people unlike us with suspicion? Is it progressive to do so? Is it loving? If not, then what am I missing?

Our neighbors form our community, a community who stock the shelves we shop from, who provides the health care we need, who teaches the people we love, and creates the shows we enjoy. Maybe the person serving my food wears a pronoun pin, but does that matter if it didn’t affect their service or the food? Maybe the person next door moved from another country, but why does that make them a threat? Maybe my coworker goes to church, but why is that bad if they lead their life with love?

The fact that my community is different from me is not why eggs are $7 or taxes keep rising. That my coworkers are from different religious and cultural backgrounds is not why rent and interest rates continue to skyrocket.

We are much more alike than different. There are indeed people who benefit from us fighting over inane things while prices rise out of control, but it’s not the transgender kid in sports or the illegal immigrant next door. We have to overcome division to solve these real problems. We’re better together.

Andrew Ryan

Albuquerque