DeLissio: Fighting back against -isms.
Ism: noun, informal, derogatory; a distinctive practice, system or philosophy, typically a political ideology or an artistic movement.
Isms, such as racism, sexism and antisemitism, are unfortunately nothing new. For the past decade I have for better or worse become more aware of the prevalence of these hateful ideologies and practices.
In the end, I believe it is better to know than to not. It’s impossible to address hate and discrimination if we don’t recognize that they exist in the first place.
In some ways, I am grateful there is a heightened awareness of this intolerant and ignorant mi- nority. In other ways, I am saddened that in the 21st century we have not yet sufficiently learned the lessons of history. We are still grappling with the isms that led to shameful policies and events including the marginalization of women, racial segregation and the holocaust.
One thing I am entirely grateful for is the outpouring of support locally and nationally for the victims of these hateful ideologies.
At a time when civility and tolerance in government and society appear to be in decline, it is our job as elected officials to teach and model these values.
That is why I was hon- ored to join state Sen. Daylin Leach, D- Delaware/ Montgomery, earlier this month for his ninth annual Good Government Day event for high school students.
By teaching our future leaders how to respectfully debate important issues, we are equipping them with the tools to reject the negative isms of the past and present, forging forward towards a government and society that values respect and inclusion, compromise, compassion and cooperation.