With everything going on in the world lately, the headline events and issues in discussion revolve around tragedies, violence, and hate- In response to all this, I am troubled, confused, and want to find a solution. I haven't found one yet, but I do know it has to begin with Equality, acceptance, and respect.
Three concepts that those of any race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background want for themselves, their families, their friends, and should want for ALL - whether or not they are consciously aware they do.
Too often we are blinded by a simple and somewhat selfish need to be right, to be heard, and to be the best. By doing so, we don't even give ourselves time to LISTEN or find common ground with one another.
We ALL have a different story, and a different struggle. But we ALL have a story and we ALL have a struggle.
We live in a time where we work for recognition - In doing so we lose the notion to work hard to improve yourself for your own fulfillment, not to impress others.
We live in a time where we want to do the minimum amount of work for the maximum amount of reward - In doing so we lose a strong work ethic.
We live in a world where some feel that illegal and risky means of obtaining wealth are deemed acceptable in the face of their circumstance - In doing so we lose a strong moral compass.
We live in a world where some people are not held accountable for their actions - In doing so we lose a sense of responsibility and honesty. This breeds distrust and feelings of injustice.
While all of these statements may seem like complaints filled with negativity - all serve as adequate means to motivate ALL to strive for CHANGE and BETTERMENT of our lives and the lives of others.
There will always be bias, judgement, clashing opinions, and difference. These things contribute to positive outcomes: they allow for personal freedom and effective change.
We must actively combat judgement with acceptance. Judgment stems from a lack of understanding.
We must first strive to understand. When we strive to understand, we release judgment and begin to accept. Once we accept that just because something is different does not mean it is wrong, we remove hate and resentment from the equation as well. This practice involves MORE listening and LESS talking. Only when we release hate and resentment can we have empathy and compassion. (Note how I use empathy and not sympathy).
Every individual has the ability to choose how he or she reacts to the circumstances they have been given. One can harbor bitterness, resentment, and negativity OR one can release, forgive, and choose positivity. With this idea in mind, NO ONE is the victim to their circumstance. Therefore there is no need for sympathy. Empathy acknowledges the common occurrence of struggle, understanding ones struggle, respecting ones struggle- all collaborating to help one overcome their struggle. Life will not always give you a gold star for your accomplishments themselves, but you do ALWAYS gain reward and fulfillment when you an ACTIVE player - taking the initiative to choose positive action to handle the cards you have been dealt in life. Again, some may experience struggles that may seem more severe and extensive than others' struggles, but we all are equal in the sense that we experience some form or struggle - no matter how big or how small.
This is where the pillar of education plays a key role. Understanding stems from being educated on a particular issue, lifestyle, or practice. Education is; however, not only limited to the classroom - education comes from several different facets: in the home, from peers, and through experience.
I feel empowered (and note how I do not say privileged) by the example adults such as: my parents, my relatives, my teachers, etc have set for me. I have been empowered by public education, peers with differences from my own lifestyle, and my parents to be where I am today. I have been taught to have a work ethic and a strong moral compass, but just as clearly and easily as I see that - I also see that others do not have this example set forth for them. They lack confidence and affirmation necessary to find empowerment in their own life.
Equality = equal chance for opportunity. To say that every American has opportunity is accurate, but to say that all begin on the same playing field is not. Systematic means and sound infrastructure must be put in place & be effective on a national, state, and local level to jumpstart & EMPOWER those who fall behind the poverty line. Along with means and motivation to work hard to improve their lives - in turn, allowing them to find opportunity for themselves.
Understanding, acceptance, and equality set the stage for respect. R-E-S-P-E-C-T! One does not have to agree with someone else in order to respect them, they simply have to understand their difference, and respect that difference.
It's because of the concept of difference: different cultures, different backgrounds, different passions - that allow for innovation, invention, and improvements.
If we all were the same there would be no progress, no potential.
It's because of difference that you can drive down Pelham Road and have the choice between Moes, McDonald's, Joy of Tokyo, Macaroni Grill, Tazikis, or China Kitchen.
It's because of difference that you can shuffle your Spotify playlist and hear a techno song, a rap song, hip hop, or even a good old country song.
It's because of difference that you can possess romantic comedies, westerns, drama, action, or even horror movies at the tip of your fingers on your Netflix account.
While all of these are small scale examples, the same idea applies on a larger, global scale: differences within politics, business, the media, and much more.
Respect is not a "one way street either"
Only MUTUAL respect does not leave room for violence, injustice, or inequality.
Only MUTUAL respect for one and other, regardless of difference.
Mutual respect also acknowledges that everyone has individual rights and freedoms. Everyone has the right to exercise these rights and freedoms UNTIL they infringe on the rights and freedoms of others. This is fine line to be crossed, but if we are all consciously aware of this line - we can eliminate a lot of issues.
After considering these thoughts and concepts, I believe we can effectively implement lasting change, and better the society we live in as a whole.
And yes, these concepts are broad and also will not solely solve all the world's problems, but hey, I think it's a start.
All this being said, I firmly believe that the good far outshines the bad in this world. Keeping all of these things in mind you must (and most importantly) Love yourself, then proceed to love others. We were put on this earth to love, to live, and to do it well. In the wise words of an article I recently read, "don't hate evil more than you love good."
