This is one of the most significant and important values in the existence of an individual and in a society with the aspiration of becoming united, cohesive and capable of bringing together common efforts, demands and expectations.
It allows us to identify with the problems and sufferings of others. It reflects our sensitivity and is nourished, from the earliest childhood, through the family and social environment. That is, it thrives on the examples that shape our lives. A supportive environment -on the most varied, small and small occasions- contributes to consolidate this value in its members.
The child from a home capable of converting solidarity into a habit –without distinction, interests or emotional ties- will have a reference that will probably mark their social coexistence. I suggest incorporating children in activities that make it easier for them to perceive the importance of this value in life.
Also, an empathic aptitude is required that does not always exist in the community. Remember that empathy consists of understanding the thoughts and emotions of others, putting yourself in their place and sharing your impressions. It is not necessary to go through the same experiences to better interpret those around us, but only to capture the verbal and gestural messages transmitted by the other person.
We must all contribute to forming a society of empathic beings, skilled in respecting and accepting others. This begins to expand in childhood when parents safeguard their children's emotional expectations and teach them to express their own concerns and, furthermore, to glimpse those of others. Shaping solidarity implies having a certain degree of empathy.
I want to note that solidarity increases self-esteem. When we collaborate with others, we feel useful and, in this way, we strengthen our self-worth, experience satisfaction and increase our sensitivity. Self-esteem reveals the actions of the human being in the most varied spheres of their development.
I frequently comment to my students that self-esteem is an internal “column” that helps to face –with success, strength and enthusiasm- the future of life. If this "column" is poorly constructed and contains gaps and inconsistencies, the subject's response -to certain conflicts and events- will be one of fear, doubt, uncertainty and poor self-assessment. You will have a feeling that will make you feel incapable of facing your destiny.
On the other hand, Peruvians shy away from having an instinct of brotherhood with others. Everyone lives their own expectations, achievements and needs. We assume a selfish reaction and, consequently, distant from the possibility of building a bond of adhesion. It is our policy to avoid getting involved in anything that does not directly affect us. It is very common to turn your back on your compatriot.
I repeatedly hear words –even from parents- such as: “Play blind, deaf and dumb”, “don't go to help anyone”, “forget about the rest”, “live your own life and that's it”, “worry for you and not for others "," do not shake hands with people, they are ungrateful ", and so on. These phrases confirm an attitude that makes it impossible to forge a feeling of closeness with others.
We avoid appropriating the environment because we do not associate what is around us as our own. We neglect to incorporate the community into our life project - as a result of a weak sense of belonging - and, furthermore, we proceed to observe complacently and sharply criticize the dramas of others. Indifference is part of our way of being. We are resigned and immersed in a context full of backwardness, ignorance, apathy and anti-values. Nobody cares about anything more than the "square meter" on which he stands.
If we had the slightest will, we could begin by showing solidarity with family, friends, colleagues, neighbors and, in this way, we would be able to overcome our petty individuality. Solidarity is not imposed, nor is it improvised. It becomes a virtue when practiced in all times, circumstances and places. Let's start with elementary gestures of social emotion.
Some symbolic acts can be a first step: Visiting a sick relative, helping someone who is experiencing difficulties, assisting a coworker, helping an elderly woman when crossing the street, comforting a friend full of suffering, identifying with collective causes, offer ourselves for voluntary work, among many other ideas. I suggest to stop looking only at ourselves, to start seeing the world in which we are involved.
Dear reader, I want to share with you this interesting anonymous reflection: "Solidarity is the one who, having four aces in hand, asks to be shuffled again." Let's learn to be partners in great adversities and also in smaller ones. We will be offering a noble and exemplary contribution to the “common good”.
