I’m doing my very best to teach my kids to be “purple people!” I first heard about this concept while listening to Alec Baldwin’s podcast on a treadmill journey a few weeks ago. Kristin Bell, actress and mom of two daughters, was being interviewed about her life, family, and her newest children’s book release: The World Needs More Purple People. You can watch an adorable intro by Kristen, herself, on YouTube here.
The Purple Concept
So, here is the thing: I hate politics. The drama, the extremism, the polarization of people during election season. I turn off the news and have to <insert fingers into ears> la la la myself through most of it. I’ve done enough research and education into the election process and understand the need to establish leadership for our communities, our state, and our country. Ok – I know it’s a necessary evil. But I still hate it. I feel like I never completely support any of the candidates, their policies, or their backgrounds. I am never “all in” for Red or for Blue and find myself asking lots of questions that never seem to be answered.
Additionally, I am pretty skeptical and am continuously fearful that there are gaps in information from both sides. Maybe it’s my own personal life philosophy, but I always see the gray areas and really wish we had more moderate options in the recent election situation. Anyway, that’s not what this is about.
Being a Purple Person, according to Bell, means that you are open to talking, listening, and sharing on both sides (red or blue). It means being thoughtful and curious, but also respectful and caring. I LOVE THIS! I truly adore my friends on each side of the color spectrum, and I want my kids to group up knowing it’s ok to disagree and keep your friends. It’s how you disagree that matters: respectfully, lovingly, and with an open heart for understanding and empathy.
The Steps to Being Purple
You really should buy Kristen’s book. It’s adorably illustrated and has a great message. You can also preview a reading here. The key tenants to being Purple are great life values in general. In politics, and in life, I want to model this for my children.
- Ask great questions
- Laugh a lot
- Use your voice
- Be a hard-worker
- Be authentically you
*Illustration by Benjamin Hart, Illustrator