It is hard to understand: people are so complex and yet the complexity is so whimsical and random at times; your perspective is not theirs; and though you and they share a common humanity, the stories you tell about what matters may not fully align. It is uncomfortable to think that one of your own heroes might be someone else's villain, and not for no reason whatsoever.

So, because understanding is hard, listening to understand is hard.

So much easier to stereotype and dismiss without understanding. Or stereotype and align but also without understanding! Easy but empty.

The culture of the United States trends especially to the easy but empty answer. Sometimes, however, the difficult path is worth the reward.

Even if, at times, you have to pause.