What would Mama say? I have met the enemy ...

There was a comic strip in our local hometown newspaper when I was growing up in Perry. I can't remember the name of the comic strip; but, I vividly remember one character saying, "I have met the enemy; and, it is us."

That came to my mind again recently; because, it seems so true just now. We're separated by race, culture, gender, politics, faith and myriad other aspects of how we see and define ourselves. I'm beginning to believe we will continue on this course of separating ourselves from each other until we are standing alone. I don't think we are meant to be alone.

I think humans are social animals. That's why travel in groups and have parties. It's why we stay up late to celebrate the first day of the new year. It's why social media is so popular.

Then why is it that after we've had a pleasant conversation with someone, we make a snide remark when that person walks away and can no longer hear us? Why do we like to gossip so much? Why is cyberbullying so prevalent?

This year, I'd like to see us, each and every one, think about things before we say them, before we do them; be kind as often as we can; smile at each other even with our differences; and, teach our kids to do the same.

The best way to each your child to behave is to model the behavior you want to see in them. When we play that, "Do as I say, not as I do" game, they'll always do what they see us do. They're always watching.

We're on the precipice; and, we need to turn back.

I have met the enemy; and, she is me.

[Editor's note: "We have met the enemy and he is us" was said by the character Pogo in Walt Kelly's Pogo comic strip on April 22, 1971.]

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: What would Mama say? I have met the enemy ...