Being Part of the Arc of Being Human Might Look Thus...

In the Baemba tribe of South Africa, the place where many believe human beings descended from, they believe that when a person acts unjustly or irresponsibly, he/she is placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases. Every man, woman, and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused. Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused, one at a time, about all the good things that person has done in their lifetime. All their positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. The tribal ceremony often lasts for days. At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe. - retold by Alice Walker