NPR: We Could All Use a Little Peace...

We Could All Use a Little Peace...

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We've said it before, but we can't say it enough...our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragedy at Virginia Tech, and indeed all those who are missing loved ones today due to violence. Very soon, we'll be bringing you some interesting conversations about this tragedy...

Two segments today:

Is your home in desperate need of some serious shalom (it's Hebrew for "peace")? Well, I'll be the first to admit that -- as a full-time wife, mother and journalist...at NPR -- I could use a little Kum Ba Yah every now and then.

Ok, enough of my business...get it together Michel!

Listen in as we speak to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, family counselor and host of Discovery's Shalom in the Home. He talks about establishing (and maintaining) peace in your house...and even in his house! We also explore how the culture we live in might sometimes pose an obstacle to this...

And, again, Can I Just Tell You?

Part of me is worried that this is dated but then a part of me says...yes, it is still relevant. It's my last word on Imus. With all that's going on in the world, the question is, when and how do we decide to focus on the little hurts that coarsen our daily lives? Who gets to decide what matters?

Michel Martin

10:42 AM ET | 04-19-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Shared Ethics: That's Mine. No, its ours.

Don Imus is the poster-boy for the current climate of moral pluralism that pervades our society. His comment, added and remixed with a hip-hop beat will probably be sampled on the next 50c disc; after all, it is in the same vane.
If we subscribe to this relavistic notion of morals then we all abandon a notion of shared ethics. Something must unify us as a society for each other, in a self-preserving way above and beyond what the segregated pillars of religion has done. Pope Benedict, when he made his initial encyclical, vowed to combat moral pluralism; a difficult challenge to us all.
Little hurts make bigger pains. We all need to examine our selves separate from the materialism and self-serving attitudes;"you don't know me, but" moral stance. Concern, reckoned with empathy and a secular sacredness for each other in this community of life needs to be adopted by every citizen.

F. Greco

Sent by Frank Greco | 11:55 AM ET | 04-19-2007

I adored the interview with Rabbi Boteach. I've only seen two of his shows but found each fascinating. He's right that we, Americans, are insecure and needy. We know less about how to take care of ourselves and our families than ever despite the fact that we are surrounded by information. In your interview he modeled what he believes in by being honest and letting us see/hear who he is. That honesty translates well across all cultures. I, also, want to applaud you for your intimate, cozy questions that got in close but without insult or disrespect.
Separately, thank you for your own opinion about the responses to the Imus debacle. Imus plus the "get over it" response equal just another covering torn off American racism and sexism and many Americans's willingness to accept the status quo (that benefits them).
Aisha Gabriel, western Massachusetts

Sent by Aisha Gabriel | 3:03 PM ET | 04-19-2007

The Rabbi Shmuley Boteach interview was interesting. I would've also enjoyed a brief overview of data comparing the reasons why couples divorce among different racial and ethnic groups. For instance, do whites blame "irreconcilable differences" more than blacks or Latinos? What about infidelity? Etc.

Sent by Steve Petersen | 10:00 AM ET | 04-20-2007

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