Well, here it is the new millenium-how far have we come as humans? We boast incredible advances in science and technology, with the ability to do things once only dreamed about. But how far have we come as human beings? We've got a ways to go, I'm afraid. I know, things are somewhat better than a few decades ago, but the more I read, the more I educate myself, I become increasingly worried that we as a race have forgotten a fundamental truth. No matter what we look like, where we're from, what we belive, who we love, how young or old we are, WE HAVE RIGHTS-the right to be free of discrimination, violence, and tyranny from those who hold different beliefs than we do.We have the right to be safe, to be educated, to be free. We also have a DUTY to respect the rights and beliefs of others, no matter how different or unfamilliar they may be. As Americans, we've heard alot lately about patriotism and standing strong as a nation. To me, being a patriot means upholding the ideas set forth in our Constitution. ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL. This means you, me, those who follow ideals and lifestyles we understand and agree with, and those who don't. There is no one "right" way to be, as long as you allow that same freedom for EVERYONE-goth, prep, punk, "hippie", redneck, immigrant, conservative, liberal, young, old, rich, poor, caucasian, african-american, asian, middle eastern....
I understand how different cultures and beliefs can seem, from our own perspective and beliefs, "scary" or even "wrong". Does that mean we need to hurt, put down, rape, murder people we don't agree with? NO!!!
If there's a culture you don't understand, don't put it down right away, EDUCATE YOURSELF about it! You may be surprised just how UNdifferent someone really is.... |
