Why are still talking about racism in 2014? The diversity of culture in the United States is broad and beautiful. Seriously! Is it really that hard to “Love Thy Neighbor”? Why is it that we will go to great lengths to defend why we dislike something or someone? Unable to open our minds to difference or change. We are missing a key piece of the puzzle which is “Love”. To dislike someone because they are different is a sign of self-esteem issues. Maybe a lack of education or an anti-social lifestyle may be the cause. Often time’s people who are void of love will hide behind abusive behavior. They may also surround themselves with those who give them a feeling of superiority. How can we expect those who do not love themselves to love others? In situations like these there is no one strong enough to defend the weak or speak out against what is wrong. Love and self- respect gives us strength and courage. Strength to defend ourselves and others against hatred and harm. Love gives us courage to stand up to those who spew hatred and try to endanger others.
Why is it not O.K. to be different? Is it necessary for us to all wear the same designers, and wear the same sizes? Color, cut and style our hair the same way and be the same color? That is not the way it is or the way it should be. The difference in people and cultures is beautiful. I love the little quirks that make me different from my sister and any average 37 year old woman. Those of us who live nonjudgmental lives with love in our hearts are stunned when we read or turn on the news to reports of racist acts or remarks of any kind. How we as humans can have such a lack of love for others baffles me. Wild animals get along better than humans. We are so aggressive towards one another that it is ridiculous.
We all get a little angry at times. Who has not said something they didn’t mean? It’s just great practice to take a moment to step back and approach the situation in a calm manner. If you just absolutely have a problem with a person or a group of people, keep it to yourself. Of course I feel you should get professional help, find out what it is within that causes the hatred. If you don’t feel you need or want help then by all means limit your exposure to what causes you to feel uncomfortable. The fact that I’m writing this article shows that even though we are so far advanced, we are still so far behind.
If we take the time to look deep into the history of America, we would see that this country was built with love. Love for a new beginning, love for freedom, and love of family. All this love was fueled by man’s idea or need for a new beginning for their family to freely prosper. Those of us who live in love must learn to close our ears to foolish behavior. Remember, there are some who say and do things as a cry for attention. There are those who get a little upset and then those who are so full of themselves that feel they can say and do as they wish. Let’s ignore their ignorance but stand up when needed. We can choose to live in the past and continue to be affected by its occurrences or we can move forward. Love has brought us through all of that so that we may live in the presence of love.
Author: Lydia Y. Oyetunji
Created: 06/11/2013 at 7:00pm EST
Live...Love...Share!!! 