We All Can Do Something

America is in an uproar. No easier way to put it. There is a reality that this nation has not always been kind to people of minorities (Native American, African-Americans, Latinas, Asians, women, the LGBT community, and so many others). We have to face it, own it, and challenge the disparities whenever they arise, whether it as intimate as a one-on-one conversation or as systemic and grand scale as the passing of unjust legislation.
To pretend the problems don’t exist and haven’t existed for many generations is negligent. People are suffering and now worse, dying. There is so much I could say as a woman, a wife, and a mother about experiences I’ve had – as well as my loved ones – but there’s not enough time in this post to tell it all. Despite the discriminatory experiences I’ve had, I’ve also had the enormous privilege of meeting
extraordinary people of extremely different backgrounds. I’ve had the unique fortune of wiping the tears of young girls from my mentoring camp and then, later, sharing a hug with a beautiful socialite from Dubai in her native land. While there may seem to be polar differences in these scenarios, I’ve discovered a very simple, recurring truth: Underneath our skin color, we are all the same – with the same blood running through our veins, the same oxygen in our lungs, the same tears in our eyes.
So, what can we do to begin to counter the venomous hate that seeks so aggressively to point out our differences? Here are just a few suggestions:
-We can listen to the cries of the vulnerable and investigate their claims instead of ignoring them and passing judgement.
-We can engage in continually educating ourselves as well as those we come in contact with about the (real) history of this country, to have a more accurate depiction of the present ills we’re still grappling with.
-We can vote, write letters, make phone calls, march, and advocate, holding our leaders accountable for the precious power we have entrusted them with.
Most importantly however, we can check our own hearts, words, and actions, uprooting any prejudices that may exist. We can decide and commit daily to listen, learn, and love instead of rushing to judge. We can choose every single day to find a way to be a part of the solution instead of passively or aggressively being a contributing agent to the problem. It is my sincerest plea that you will join me in peacefully doing something to shed a light on these tragedies, for we can all do something!