Blame

I don't believe in it.

It's counter-productive to finding solutions to issues, and too often is pursued as an end in itself, as if somehow being able to blame someone or something makes us feel better.

While I'm not suggesting we do away with the system of justice out there, and let our laws be broken willy-nilly with no regard for accountability, I am saying that the assignment of blame in & of itself solely, is pretty useless.

There's an interesting difference between accountability and blame in my view. Accountability is when we determine (hopefully for ourselves) that we are the cause of some issue or a component part in making something happen. It's a positive thing, as it means acknowledgment and hopefully some sort of preventive or proactive response to avoid a repeated instance. Blame is finger-pointing and often done simply by others. It side-steps our need to admit when we've caused part of an issue or problem, and often goes no further than assigning fault.

These days in the news there's a large oil spill of the US southern coast threatening all kinds of sensitive areas, animals and people. There's a lots of noise to assign blame, and while BP is accountable as it's their infrastructure, the blame here is irrelevant, as it's virtually impossible to determine and similarly pointless to try. Determining blame - even if easy to do - won't help clean up, and it won't make BP act differently. They've admitted their own accountability, and are working to fix the situation. Just like grown-ups.

Next time you're tempted to point a finger and assign blame - think twice. Think what you may have done to be a part of an issue, and how you might do things differently next time. The world will be a better place as a result.