As this will be the last post on here from my first semester of college, I want to focus on an essential aspect of human equality: respect.
Often, in life, we come across people who are different than ourselves. Maybe they look differently, talk differently, have a completely different life experience than you have, or maybe something confuses you about their lifestyle and identity.
This is natural and this is what keeps life interesting. If everyone were the same, what would be the fun aspects of life? Where would the zest and uniqueness of each of our days root from?
Thus far, this passion blog has delved into various topics about equality for all people, and how everyone deserves to have a good quality life.
In order for people to have a good-quality life, they must be allowed the ability to do so by the world not restricting them from being who they truly are, and being that vibrantly. People should be allowed to believe in what they want spiritually. People should be allowed to embrace their culture through festive, non-harmful traditions without being ridiculed.
For example, if you see someone doing something you do not agree with, do not degrade them for being different than you. Instead, decide to not participate in the action they are doing. Maintaining respect is so important, as we flourish when we respect others and are respected in return.
We all know that we like to be respected and we know what respect means, so why is it so difficult for us to give people respect?
Medium’s MJ Blehart ponders this question, and answers it eloquently:
“Why do we lose respect? I think part of it stems from the way we tend to group ourselves. Rather than focus on how we are all human beings, we get specific in how we identify ourselves. Whether by race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or what-have-you, we create these boxes that we then place ourselves within.”
We must cease this partitioning of people into set groups or genres. We hear these divisions daily: rich vs poor, liberal vs conservative, religious vs atheist, women vs men, the general “us vs them”, etc.
Although we as humans are multifaceted and can fit into different groups with beliefs, interests, and identities, we must remember that, first and foremost, we all are all human. Respect is a human quality that improves life for others. We are all human and all equal.
Love one another & keep these points in mind, especially during this joyous holiday season!
Photo Source: https://www.wbpscupsc.com/fundamental-rights-in-india/