After hearing about all that has gone on in our country this week, I felt I needed to write about it. It seems as if there is so much hatred and division out there. Yes, we are all different and have different needs, but we are also so alike in more ways than not. Instead of looking at what divides us, how about looking at what unites us?
We are all human beings
No matter what race, religion, or group that you associate with, underneath it all, we are human. We are wired with the same needs for love, acceptance, food, shelter, and safety. Being treated fairly is what we also desire. Love for our children and families are something we all possess. We are wired to attach to our caregivers and vice versa. This insures the propagation of the species. The love of a mother or father is so fierce for their children that they would do things for their offspring that they would do for no one else.
We all have a unique culture
Each family in itself is it’s own culture. You may live next door to someone; have the same race, religion, family system, etc., yet the way your family does things is different than any other family. For example, look at dinnertime. Some families eat at the exact same time, others random times. Maybe your family eats at the table, and your neighbors eat in front of the TV. Perhaps you have a home cooked meal, and your neighbors have prepackaged frozen foods. It’s interesting as most people think the way their family does things is the right way. Could it be that there are many right ways to do things?
Different is interesting
Think about it. If everyone did the same things in the same way, life would get pretty boring. How about looking at people with differences with an air of curiosity? Ask them about their different traditions and the meaning behind them. Perhaps they have a tradition that you find interesting, or that you would like to do or add, especially around times of celebration.
We are all members of an out-group
That means we are all different. We all don’t fit in the same category. Perhaps you have been treated differently because of your race, religions, sexual preference, etc. Each of us has been on the receiving end of someone not liking us. So if you look for things that are different in people, you will find them. Everyone is different from you, which makes life fun and interesting.
We are all American
Because of that fact we are disliked by other countries or hate groups. They assume we are all the same, and are lumped into a category (just as some people in the US do with the group they don’t like). Does it feel good to be hated by other countries? No. If you can recognize that, then you know it does no good to hate.
I read a quote by Maya Angelou from the poem “Still I Rise” that I really liked:
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Think about it
When we were terrorized by 9/11, we united and rose together as Americans. This is how we are wired. Whenever a hate crime is committed, the victims will continue to rise, no matter how you try to keep them down. It just doesn’t work. So why take the time to do so? If you continue to hate, and focus on what divides us, you will never be happy. When you can focus on what unites as humans, then you can be content.
We are all human, and that is what unites us all. If you are struggling in any way, don’t hesitate to call at 713-304-6554.
Take care,
Debbie
