“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” – A. A. Milne
Equality has been a struggle for the world since the beginning of time. When you treat people as less than yourself or your peer, there is an imbalance. People are different and should be noted as such.The conflict comes when you look down on people because they are not as educated, not as artistic, not as talented, or do not have as much money as you. What gives you the authority to tell them how they ought to live so it fits your narrative on how people ought to be? What if someone thinks differently than you do? If they have different values, different religious beliefs, or choose to wear certain clothing that you would never wear, does that make it ok to pick on them, talk down to them or make you feel more or less human?
I used to have a different view than I do now. I grew up learning about inequality and feeling a certain way when I was around people that had more or less than we did. People that were naturally smarter or not as smart. I was taught to believe a lot of these things by a lot of people not just my circle of influence. I have learned that it does not matter what my job is or what another person’s job is or what they choose to have or not have. People have different talents, gifts, and things that they can tolerate. Some people love to create food, buildings, manage others, follow others, create documents, file documents, or manage the chaos of self and others. We are not equal, we are not all the same, and treating everyone as if they should be the same person with the same values and the same religious beliefs would be very shortsighted. Understanding that people are different and have different needs and wants is what the world is all about. Learning to let people live their lives the way they want is ok too, as long as it does not harm others. If we were all the same, the world would be a very sad place. Diversity is what makes the world a better place.
Today, I will learn to live and let live without the view that everyone should have the opportunity to live as they choose without my condemnation or judgment.
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