WE ARE ALL THE SAME
BEING in America during the presidential election made me ponder many things, one of which was what it took to be a world leader, and traits a leader should possess. Those who made their choice believed they made the right one and there were those who refused to listen to alternative thoughts.
Now that the elections are over, many are in shock. Cries of fear become real when you see reports on bullying and threats to people of colour, Muslims and Mexicans. Hate, fear and threats abound and many are contemplating the fate of what they had hitherto regarded as their home.
This is by no means an American issue. Around the world, there are people who find themselves affected by such a scenario, albeit to different extents. Some countries are more tolerant than others but racism still exists and continues to be a huge problem for human kind. Sad to say, we will not be able to evolve to a higher level of consciousness if we remain stuck in the old ways of thinking.
Racism comes from a false sense of superiority over someone else. Racists look at past history of a culture and economic achievement and conclude that they are better by virtue of having certain traits over others. A racist is usually someone who has little confidence in his own worth and feels that he needs to identify with the positive qualities of other members of his tribe and degrade others.
When someone says “I am superior to you”, all he or she is really saying is that “I belong to a collective group of people who are better”; yet, as an individual, it says nothing. For example, a group of bullies may be more intimidating together but as individuals, they don’t seem so scary after all.
Behind skin colour, background and social standing, we are all flesh and blood, sharing the same classification as Homo sapiens.
So why not look past differences and celebrate uniqueness instead as racism is commonly targeted at groups of people, not an individual? We may label people Chinese, Muslims, Indians, females, and males but, when you meet one person, you can see past those collective classifications and be friends with that individual.
So what can you do when your world is changing into something you do not like? Do you stand back and just observe without playing any part in it or do you make the decision to be that person who will ignite change in one way or another?
Here are some things that you, as an individual, can do to put a stop to racism.
1. Take an interest in others
Most of the time, we do not actually understand our fellow humans. We stay in our own clique because it feels safe to belong somewhere and never really venture out of our comfort zone. However, when you really take an interest in someone else, it becomes easier to relate to another human being and to really see how we are all very similar to one another — that we share the same feelings and emotions, the same struggles, the same victories. When you start to really pay attention to another, you will see the uniqueness of this person but yet be able to connect and relate to them on a deeper level and see that we are all not so different after all.
2. You can make a difference
Think along the lines of social media and how news spread. When you choose to spread certain news from your understanding and sharing, your close circle of friends will receive that information and decide what they would like to do with it. And if they too spread goodness, the ripple effect continues. You may question how it is possible for one person to do something that could make a difference in the world. Remember, if you can make one person feel or think differently about racism, you would have already made a big difference.
3. Be compassionate and kind
No act of kindness, regardless of how small, is ever wasted. Everyone appreciates kindness that’s bestowed upon them. It’s a reminder that there is still goodness in this world. When everyone chooses to be more compassionate to those who are having a bad time, it will make others realise that there is still goodness in humanity and that change is still possible. Most importantly, that there is still hope for humankind. After all, we are the same yet individually unique with amazing qualities to share that can make life a lot more enjoyable for each other.