Because That’s How I Roll

This week, I have been pondering unity, or rather, disunity. There is so much of it in the world, a person only needs to turn on his or her television to be reminded of it. Especially during a political season, disunity is so apparent. In the U.S., thoughtful and passionate people identify themselves as either Democrats or Republicans. The country is eagerly divided between red states and blue states when, in fact, it’s actually colored hues of violet.

But, political ideology isn’t the sole instrument of division and the problem isn't limited to the United States. Religion, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, educational and economic status have, for generations, been used to separate people from one and other.

And, I can’t help but wonder why it has to be this way. Because that’s how I roll.

I have my theories, of course. I believe many find it easier to hate than to love. It’s also easier to quickly throw our hands up in confusion, than take the time to understand something different, or to demonstrate fear rather than courage.

By choosing to cut a person up into categories--black, white, Muslim, Christian, Jew, gay, straight, Democrat, Republic, man, woman, poor, rich, native, or foreign--rather than seeing him or her as whole, we are being weak-minded and following a path of least resistance.

I don’t have to agree with a person in every way to be his or her friend. People don’t have to come from a similar background, share a faith, or live a particular lifestyle for me to value their existence. I wouldn’t want a world full of people just like me because it would be as interesting and beautiful as a monochromatic rainbow. And while I don’t turn a blind eye to stark differences between peoples, cultures, and ideologies, I believe in looking, first and foremost, at what is shared and common.

Because that’s how I roll.

Acceptance doesn’t mean agreement. Tolerance doesn’t always equal condonation. All I strive for is respect and understanding. It’s really not that lofty of a goal.

I support thoughtful and vigorous debate, but to disagree without being disagreeable. I believe my own truths as well people’s right to have and believe in their own truths. Rather than see the world in terms of black and white, I much prefer a pleasing sepia tone or any shade of grey. Unfortunately, I’m not seeing much grey matter-- figuratively and literally--in what is presented in the media, from the pulpit, and from world leaders these days. And I can’t help but hang my head in embarrassment and grieve for a better, more united, world.

Because that’s how I roll.

Because sometimes we can use the reminder...

It's a small world...

In my previous post, I talked about the self realization that I am your typical spoiled American. Then, coincidentally, someone sent me this. It really opened my eyes to a few issues. It's worth checking out.