I’m so tired of seeing and hearing people belittle each other for something so silly as their color, sexual orientation, religion, etc. This country was founded on the freedoms that we still sort of enjoy. I understand that when those freedoms were being penned that slavery was still an integral part of this country. However, after more than 200 years, shouldn’t we be past all of that? Shouldn’t we now look inside of a person for their worth instead of the outside?
The last time I checked, no black person was bothering me or my family for just being black, no lesbians were harming my ability to love my family and my boyfriend, no atheists were preventing me from knowing that God exists (my opinion, not everyone’s opinion). None of those people have harmed me in any way. I can still decide whether or not to befriend someone by their merit and their personalities, rather than what color their skin is, who they love, and who or what they believe.
I feel that, as a country, while there have been strides to take us into the right direction, there have also been LEAPS backwards. When a black kid can’t walk to the store to buy snacks without being deemed “suspicious,” a gay or lesbian couple can’t walk down the store aisle holding hands without being taunted, whispered about, or laughed at, when an atheist (or enter whatever religion that isn’t Christian) can’t speak their mind without being told that they’re going to HELL to “burn for all eternity” we’ve gotten NO WHERE.
I live in Ohio, and still hear people calling blacks the “N” word (which I hate), see interracial couples, and still see people shake their heads or say rude things about them. In my state it is still illegal for two people who love each other to marry, just because they’re both the same sex, I still hear people saying stupid remarks behind their backs, and even in some cases to their faces. I still hear rude remarks when someone pronounces their disbelief in God. It’s time for all of this to STOP.
I have no issues hearing views from people who are different from me. This world would be a very boring place to live if we were all exactly the same. This is NOT Stepford, and we are not all wives. I’m not blonde, I’m not 120 lbs, I’m no where NEAR perfect, and yet I have a loving boyfriend, 3 children, and no one really talks about me (unless they dislike me, and personally I don’t give a rip 
).
As Americans, we all consider ourselves above other countries, and yet, some of these other countries are leaps and bounds ahead of us in tolerance. They have stopped judging, and started living by the credo “Live and let live.” I’m ready for that to be MY motto, as well as the world. None of these people are hurting us, and our marriages and religions, love for our God and our children are perfectly safe.
It’s time to stand up and say “I love you for who you are, not who you love, what color your skin, what you believe or don’t believe, and you are my FRIEND!” I want my children to be able to grow up in a world where it’s okay to be different without being bullied for being so. I know this is a lot to ask, but why is it so difficult? I just want someone to tell me why we must all be the same to be accepted!
I’m not asking you to invite a pedophile, a murderer, or a rapist into your homes, I’m asking you to accept people who are different from you for who they are. I’m tired of hearing “I’m not racist because I have FRIENDS who are gay, black, atheists….” that doesn’t make you tolerant at ALL. I want to hear you say, “I accept everyone until they give me reason NOT to.” Isn’t that how we choose our friends anyway?
Why Can’t We All Just Get Along? – goo.gl/cqOwb via @fiveinohio
— Melody Boals (@FiveInOhio) June 13, 2012
-Mommy Wonderin!
About Melody
I totally agree with your post, and it is very nicely written! Seems like we should be way past this by now.
Becky Ryan-Willis recently posted..We All Bleed Red…Don’t We?
Great post! I grew up and was friends with whoever came around that was respectful and friendly and not by the race, sexual orientation or whatever. I am still like that to this day and I will encourage my kids to do the same. I’m so glad that my kids at the moment only see a person, young or old, as a person and not go by the color of their skin. Right now they are still color blind which it should be and I hope that it will be like that as they grow older. I think you will miss out on a lot of good people to know because you don’t believe in what they do or what race they are.
Nicoyle recently posted..Sky Lanterns to Light Up the Sky
I love how outspoken you are and how you’re not afraid to speak your mind even on hot topics. I agree with pretty much everything you said. Keep them coming! <3
Sadie recently posted..Couch to 5K Day 3
It all goes back to the Golden Rule. People should consider how they want to be treated and treat others the same way. Sometimes people can be really ridiculous, but I want to believe that most people are basically good at heart. Now if only those people would listen to their hearts and follow them!
I completely agree – what someone’s skin color, religion, sexual orientation does to me is absolutely nothing. It really is none of my business or anyone else’s for that matter so why can’t we all just get along!? =0)
Leila recently posted..Review: Imposter for Hire: A Dr. Cory Cohen Mystery
Nope, we can’t all get along. Because some people are assholes….
Meagan P – Sunshine and Sippy Cups recently posted..Weekly Bloggertunities for Mom Bloggers – 6/14
Nicely written! Honestly I wish I could say that I’m ‘better’ than those people that do this, but I’m not. I find myself pulling out characteristics of certain people in different categories. I’ve been really trying not to, but, I’m not perfect either.
I really don’t use my stereotypes to judge before I see or meet the person… it’s more when I actually see them living up to the stereotype (ie: A Blonde girl who is TOTALLY acting ditzy and not catching on to jokes- at all.)
I just think far too many people need to get their undies out of a bunch and relax a bit.
Amy recently posted..Why Franchising Is a Good Business for Moms
Love this post. The reality though is that it seems like we will never all get along. sigh!
Diane N – Philzendia recently posted..3 Top Outdoor Toys For Kids For Summer Fun
Totally agree. It is my opinion that it those that scream “victim” or pull out the “race card” are the ones that holding back this country from moving FORWARD. The past is the past. Let it there.
Sha recently posted..Something Fab for Dad is Just a Click Away!
Go Melody! Nicely put and I soooo agree with you!
Heather Bryant recently posted..Dad Is Sweet~A Giveaway!