Thought of the Day

Hey guys! I hope you all are having a fantastic Wednesday!

Today I thought I would give you all something to think about. I am sure you all have heard about the tragic case involving 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The Feb. 26 shooting death of this young man, at the  hands of 28-year-old George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain who  said he acted in self-defense, has riveted the nation, largely  because of one key thing: race. You see, Trayvon Martin was black. George Zimmerman is  white and Hispanic.

Although prosecutors and those involved are still very much in discussion about the specifics of this case, the details and background stories, one can’t help but take a step back at this story and wonder, “Why?”

We as a country in many ways have come so far in our acceptance of others, our equality and respect for our differences, whether that be race, age, gender or religious background. Despite those strides however, we unfortunately have a long way to go. A very long way. Judgements are so easy to make. It’s so easy to just ‘assume’ something about someone or something without getting the full story, without getting to know the person from underneath the hoody.

When I was a little girl, things like what color of skin someone had or what they wore, their beliefs or ethnicity never even crossed my mind. I played flour square and kickball with everyone. I sat at lunch next to everyone, trading my Ho-Ho’s for their pudding cups. I went to the movies and roller rink with everyone. I was friends with everyone. At what age did that all suddenly change? When did things like what color of skin someone had or what they wore, their beliefs or ethnicity really matter? Can intolerance be taught? Be learned? I believe in some ways it can. Maybe not directly but through media, through social upbringings and interactions with other people.

Can intolerance be taught? Maybe. But it can also be untaught.

I ask you to look at people, not for any of those other things I mentioned before, but look at them for who they are. Don’t judge. Be open-minded. Accept.

If this case, no matter the final verdict or what really happened,  can teach us anything, I hope it is that we should be more accepting of others and not rush to  conclusions. Look beyond outside appearances or stereotypes. You might be surprised what you find.

I found this floating online and couldn’t resist sharing it. Wouldn’t it be great if we can take down the barriers of intolerance and accept each other for who we are?

As the saying by Ram Dass goes, “We’re all just walking each other home.”

Sorry for all of the heaviness today guys. Something about this really struck a guitar chord with me.

Have a GREAT rest of your night!

And for all of you wanting to know…2! Count ‘em 2 more days until OPENING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I may just be a little bit tad excited

Question of the day: Who have you ‘walked home’ lately?