Acceptance

Acceptance - The act of accepting something or someone; welcoming, embracing, tolerant.

Growing up I was fortunate to have parents who accepted people for who they were, even if they had different views. We were taught respect for others, and often were told "treat others as you wish to be treated". Because of this it is difficult for me to understand how anyone can teach their children hate or disrespect.

I find it alarming that there are so many who cannot, or choose not, to accept those who are different from them. Whether it is race, religion or politics, there is an enormous lack of tolerance today. Much of the blame for this can be assigned to some of the world's leaders whose egos fuel their desire for power. By spreading hatred, intolerance and fear they believe that they will convince the majority to follow their lead.

It is irresponsible for them to perpetuate these lies, and I believe that most of the world's citizens are very aware of what they are trying to do. Our role is to ensure that people learn to accept others even when their beliefs are different. We can't allow ourselves to get caught up in their trap.

Discrimination and intolerance are derived from fear; this fear is being disseminated by those in power who fear losing that power. If they are successful in making enough people afraid, then hatred and intolerance win.

To those who think that everyone should look, believe and behave the same way, my question is; "have you really thought this through"? We would be no more than programmed robots doing everything in the same manner and at the same time day after day; no longer in control of our own thoughts or lives; falling into line for those in power.

What makes us, and life in general interesting, is our diversity.  Misunderstanding someone due to their gender, societal class, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, spiritual beliefs and more, comes from a lack of knowledge. Learning what we can about those of another race/ethnicity and their cultures, can lead to increased knowledge and acceptance.

If we do not agree with someone's religious or political views, or understand their sexual orientation, we still need to accept and respect them as human beings. Instead of disapproving, harassing or intruding in their lives, we need to have conversations to try and have a better understanding. We can agree to disagree respectfully.

If we want to turn things around and create a more harmonious world, we need to accept one another. Accept that we are not all the same; that we will disagree at times, but we can do so without being hateful and divisive.

In the words of Matthew 7:1-2: Judge not, that you be judged. For with the judgement, you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

We cannot allow those who strive to divide us to win. We must advance the cause for acceptance and tolerance to ensure all our voices are joined in harmony.