Getting Along

There are so very many different people in the world. There are different looks, cultures, faces and styles. You cannot always find those who think like you. Sometimes our neighbors seem so alien. Would not the world be better if more of us were alike? Conformity would make life easier. Nothing we see or hear would shock us. Others' behavior would be about what you would expect. This is never going to happen though. We know this yet how do we deal with all the unpredictability?

I cannot tell you how many relationships exist based upon a lie. One common lie is that our partner will, with our guidance and help, become the person we wish they would be. Our children need to be more like us rather than display their own individual personalities. We could tolerate strangers better if they would just act more "American."

We seem to have such a hard time when people do not look or act in the ways we think they should. We falsely believe that the differences are some sort of threat. We certainly act threatened when someone crosses our path that does not behave as we are used to. Their look gives them away. Skin tone, clothing or accent are the obvious indicators that something is amiss.

Let us face facts. We as a nation are xenophobic to a fault. We react to variety in people as reason enough to go straight to DEFCON 1! Arm the missiles, ready the bombers! I am speaking metaphorically, of course. I am not suggesting that we bomb anyone. I am saying that, internally, we place ourselves into the ready position whenever a threat is perceived.

History backs up my assertion. We have demonized various groups throughout history. To name a few: Vietnamese, Russians, Japanese and now anyone even remotely looking Mexican or from any Middle Eastern country. Where does it end? Why must difference be perceived as such a great threat? Get a clue folks; it is no threat whatsoever.

We laugh. We cry. We bleed. We eat and sleep and dream. Believe it or not we have the same dreams. No, I am not referring to the one where we are naked in fifth grade and the teacher wants to give us a spanking with a yardstick. Okay, maybe that is just me, but I digress. We dream of acceptance and love and happiness and freedom.

All of us want the freedom to be who we can be and the right to be left alone and become that person. We all desire the opportunity to fulfill our dreams and a fair land from which to see those dreams come true. Give people a break! No matter how different they may seem they are much more alike than you give them credit for.

I know that most racists cannot be helped so I am speaking to the rest of you who still have an open mind. We are all human beings! Put aside your prejudice. Open your eyes, minds and hearts. Take the first step towards the creation of a better world. Put out your hand to your brothers and sisters. Say hello to your neighbors. Make all people feel wanted rather than someone the government would rather haul away and never see again.