The Other Half

In 1890, journalist/photographer Jacob Riis observed that one half of the world does not know how the other half lives. He said this was in large measure to the fact the one half - the well-to-do - did not care all that much about the other half that did not have the wealth or resources that they enjoyed. Riis, who was viewed to be among the energetic, muckraking journalists of his day, then set out to do what he could to make sure that upper-crust became more familiar with those on the lower end of the economic totem pole.


While in one sense society may be divided into two parts, the fact is all of us are divided into a multitude of parts in terms of how we view things, how we live our lives, and how we are perceived by others. To make any meaningful headway with another person, then, it is essential that one be able to look at the world through that individual's eyes. Doing so does not mean you are agreeing with their perspective. Rather, doing so represents a step toward gaining a deeper understanding of that person so you can develop a viable strategy to communicate with them more effectively. One key result of such an effort might be you are able to identify things the two of you have in common.


This is where effective listening comes into play. This important act of communication involves putting aside any preconceptions one might have about another and giving them your full-attention with an open mind. This entails giving them careful and thoughtful attention. Such effective or mindful listening often represents a big step toward learning more about that "other half." In fact, it leads to discovering and even appreciating the fact that each person is actually the sum of many parts. Embracing such a universal truth helps bridge whatever gap that may exist between people whose differences are defined by such things as their bank accounts, skin color or political persuasions. And it all begins with effective listening.