We should strive to treat each other as humans
While in the midst of a health pandemic, economic decline, and racial awakening of historic proportions, many lessons can and should be learned. Perchance, through these trials and tribulations we can all become the wiser. As we celebrate the independence of this great nation, perhaps, the most judicious honor we can bestow is an understanding of what it means to be human? How we manage and maneuver, as a people, through such troubled times? What we can learn about ourselves? How we become a better person or society in the midst of such turmoil? Believe it or not, these have been, are and will be some of the most important inquisitions. They challenged our founders and have beleaguered the rest of us throughout time immemorial.
It should be of surprise to no one; this world is in a constant state of discord and has always been convoluted by the everpresent issues of justice, equality and racism. Many of the greatest among us have examined the struggle between the common rights of humanity versus the divine right of kings. These matters have tormented humankind since our inception. So, it is at this moment in time that we must face, again, three plagues. That of health will be solved by science and medicine. That of economy will be managed by intellect and bargaining. That of race can only be resolved by examining our true nature, our inner self. We must begin by looking within and reconciling to the reality that everyone, all people, regardless of color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and/or national origin are equal, and should be treated accordingly.
Despite our various backgrounds or histories, all humans are born with an understanding of justice and equality. All recognize certain due and inalienable rights. All know the difference between right and wrong. All strive for security and opportunity for ourselves and our posterity. All want to breathe freely, without oppression, and under conditions that are available to the most privileged of our best societies.
Interestingly, the Declaration of Independence which we so adamantly celebrate begins with the enlightened proposition that everyone should be treated equally. These are not just words; they establish a principle upon which our country is founded. Ironically, our laws already provide that race, color, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, age, or disability cannot and should not be the basis for any mistreatment. These doctrines form the framework of our ideologies, and government. Shouldn’t they also form the basis of our culture and understanding? Shouldn’t they describe and define who we are as a people?
If our laws and government already require that we treat people equally and fairly, why then, in this day and age, do we still struggle with segregation? Why must we still capriciously debate the differences in treatment and perception of each other? Why the obstacles and inequalities within our economies, politics, and, the most troubling of all, the hearts of so many people that thwart and impede equal treatment? It has been said many times before “no law, no matter how well written, will stop bad behavior.” “When those amongst us have an indifference to evil, evil will occur.” Can’t we all see that the nature of our own self-interested endeavors tends toward justice, freedom and opportunity? Why is it so hard to believe, understand and accept that the nature of everyone else’s yearnings also tend to that precise location? There is no difference among us, we all want justice, freedom and opportunity!
Perhaps we should take a moment to reflect on what it means to be human. It’s not really surprising that the worst of our nature surfaces at the worst of times, or that the ills of our society are exposed when we are most vulnerable. But, with all hope, faith and perseverance in mind, we can overcome this dreadful part of ourselves… we can all be the wiser! And the better! We have been given this great opportunity, during this time of acrimony, to learn about ourselves and each other. As we progress though these difficult days, an epiphany may enlighten us all.
After we’re born, all humans will aspire, attempt to survive, and die. Given this understanding and acknowledgment with a sense of compassion, and, perhaps a little creativity, we can work, live and breathe together with the realization that we are all the same. A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision states “‘to discriminate against’ a person would seem to mean treating that individual worse than others who are similarly situated.”
Because we are all similarly situated, we should treat everyone as we would wish to be treated … simply human! God bless America!