Kindness Needs Some Accountability

I saw this yard sign in Lawrence, Kansas last week. Our society is soaked with this sentiment. I’ve seen it all over the continent the past few years. No doubt, American culture desperately needs more kindness. However, I really struggle with this over-simplified scripting. Because kindness alone does not possess the power to end poverty, the pandemic, police murders and the bombing of Palestine—or Ukraine. Kindness alone simply cannot block the predatory behavior—from banks, corporations, bosses, coaches, politicians, priests, husbands and whoever else. I want a sign that says, “Be Kind and Keep the Abusers Accountable.” A message that demands more out of each of us —which is what real love does.