Discrimination is the culprit
There are 7.6 billion people who roam this earth, divided into many races, countless beliefs and endless discriminatory attitudes that are rampant. It’s the divisions that are the main source of discrimination in a world where healing seems a long-distance goal. Nevertheless, countless are making honest attempts to make a difference. Discrimination is the culprit.
As we study the world’s inhabitants, we soon discover the diversity of people. There are great numbers of races, languages, manners of dress, sexualities, gender identities and so many variants in behaviour. We are surrounded by despots, those who possess absolute power and those who cannot, or dare not speak and be counted. Wars are plentiful, with the powerful, the absolute rich, those who make it their life’s ambition to rule. Why? The reason is not so difficult to understand.
We are fully aware of the majority governing the minority, and thereby they rule with iron fists and the need to oversee that equality for all people is nonexistent, or indeed unattainable. Yes, it all comes down to discrimination, groups, or individuals, it matters not, because it is called by the same name. We find it in governments, in schools, in our places of business, the person on the street and our religious institutions. All we have to do is search out the Vatican, or other denominations, and we realize that religious influence remains quite powerful, especially in regards to LGBTQ+ citizens.
Thousands are calling for action to make positive change, with some success. The emphasis must be placed on equal rights for all, bar none. Our governments must be on our side to change laws that are antiquated and redundant. Of course, they only pay slight attention to the need for change at election time, and even so, we must convince the electorate to be on our side. That is not an easy task. First and foremost, the fact discrimination continues and is on the rise everywhere towards all minorities is the issue.
Around the globe, we hear of punishments for LGBTQ+ people who face trials, beatings, prison and even death. Many are not even afforded a trial and face punishment immediately. LGBTQ+ folks in the United States have much to fear from President Donald Trump and the Republican Party as they constantly attempt to, or indeed are successful, changing the laws that offer some protection from discrimination. Within our schools, we find LGBTQ+ students who do not feel safe, or accepted, through bullying and other means.
This is not isolated, but quite common in our Canadian schools, elementary, high school and post-secondary education. How are we able to fight that horrific attitude and feel that we are a contributing part of our society? We work, we are in relationships, buy homes, go to the same churches, if one is so inclined, pay our taxes, and do all things as others in our nation.
The importance of gaining equality is self-evident in that it places everyone on par with all in our society. Our skin colour, the way we speak, the way we dress and whom we love must not be criticized or dismissed. Each of us is individual and each of us has the human right to co-exist on this earth.
If we must fight for that freedom, so be it, and we should approach our journey with a positive mind. That is not an easy task, as we see so much in present day that must be corrected. Our commitments must be set forth in the coming years and in doing so we will see a bit of a dent in the process to eliminate discrimination. It is the culprit that must be defeated.