"What Kind of Civilization Are We Living in?"
by Mairwen

Robert Ingersoll once said, "The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself." This would, indeed, be the ideal world, but what of the world now? It has been said, at least in America, that all men are created equal. However, this is definitely not the way in which the world is being run. It does seem that many must have great fortitude in order to survive the civilization of today. It can be quite disturbing to witness some of the cruelty in the world. It is everywhere, from a student being assailed in school because of his race or sexual preference, to the adamant resistance towards a group because of its religious or nonreligious orientation. Many, especially those in places of power, are often using their willfulness against each other, and when those targets of such attacks fail to comply they are often subject to even more mettlesome torment. This kind of battle is quite prominent in the schools of our society. It seems rather strange that this kind of behavior should be so common in one of the few places that are supposed to serve as a haven for children. Camaraderie has become more important then ever for many students. Without their friends, many would be more prone to tractability, and a rather frightening dictatorship might overcome the school systems. Even with this accommodating factor, many students are still put at a lower level in regards to, not only status, but also value. It seems one must be invincible or of great stalwartness to overcome these demeaning power seekers. It is quite sad when an innocent boy who happens to be homosexual can no longer hold his bulwark against the tortures put upon him by his peers. It is rather disappointing to see a nonreligious group denied the same rights as a religious group that happens to be propitiated with the beliefs of an administration. It is very deplorable when a promotion of free speech is asked to acquiesce to the irrational and unfair demands of that same administration in order to make sure that those higher up in the line remain at an accord. This kind of discriminating suppression should not be so typical in society as a whole, let alone in the schools. A child's home should not have to become a citadel against the outside world. It seems hard to understand why one would mar a fellow human being through one's own volition. The resilience of diversity in civilization today is fading, and those being targeted are being forced to summon up more and more stamina to keep society free and safe for everyone. People need to realize that their beliefs do not imply power over others and that, even though they do not agree with some, it is these differences, these disaccords that create a world worth living in. To oppress those different from one would mean to oppress the whole world. All are entitled to their beliefs and lives without persecution. So, embrace thy neighbor, and in so doing, embrace thyself.