When I look at the United States of America, I see it as a home -- not just a place that is housing us citizens, but a home that embodies warmth and love. A home is a place where you have open arms to guests. A home is where you can feel safe to be yourself without fear of bullying, harassment or even unfair punishment. A home is also a place where rules are enforced to keep you safe. Those are the things that made America great. Unfortunately, we are falling short on those expectations, which is causing the ultimate demise of our nation. However, here are a few tips to actually make America great again.
1. We can start by stopping the hate that spreads like wildfire in this country.
Surprisingly, I think that the hatred that has infected our nation has continued to get progressively worse through the years, especially with the rise of social media. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see some vulgar Facebook post on a celebrity's wall that is written by someone who doesn't even know who they really are. The constant messages of hate are actually harming one another. Even our politicians, the individuals who are supposed to be our role model citizens, partake in it as well when they dehumanize one another during the election season.
2. Let's start loving one another.
Love. I can't emphasis enough that love comes in many forms. You can help spread the love by saying hello to someone who you notice always eats lunch by themselves. You can show love by caring for those who have hurt you in the past. We are all humans. We make mistakes, but that doesn't mean you should hold hatred in your heart for the people who have damaged you. It isn't worth it. Negative energy only hurts yourself in the end.
3. Let's embrace one another's culture and history.
Many times people get angered when women or African Americans speak of their history. No, it's not the woman card or the race card. It's the truth card. Please understand that people are expressing their pain. There isn't a problem with that. For example, you would want to share with the world your pain if your child died and you would want people to understand your reasoning for crying every time you hear another child has died. It's because you can relate to the pain. Let people express themselves. Just don't let them express messages of hate.
4. We can put an end to all this political rhetoric nonsense.
It doesn't matter if your neighbor is a Republican or a Democrat; our country was founded on the idea that multiple political parties prevented corruption and destruction of power. However, especially in recent years, people have discriminated against one another based on the other person's political preference. Instead of hating, why don't we just engage in conversational discussion? I think someone would be more willing to listen to you speak about your political preference if you're not sitting there attacking them. Maybe you could even convince them to change their belief.
5. Help out your neighbor.
A helping hand is so important. It doesn't have to be big gestures of kindness. I mean, if you have the means to do big gestures, then go right ahead. If not, take the time to do at least one nice thing for your neighbor every day. If you notice their newspaper fell in the middle of the street, go pick it up for them. It's the little things that can turn someone's day around.
6. Put an end to our ethnocentrism ...
Stop hating on other cultures and countries because you simply believe America is the greatest nation on the face of the planet. Each nation is comprised of human beings. No life is valued more than another. I think this is the main reason wars occur. It is because people somehow oppress and devalue the lives of others. I think once we realize this it'll be easier and safer to travel around the world.
7. ... and an end to our xenophobia as well.
It only increases the hate other countries have for us when we tell media outlets that we are scared of different cultures not assimilating in our country. I'm not sure if you ever took a history class, but I always learned that assimilation and the process of destroying cultural differences is quite terrible. Cultural differences encourage innovation in all aspects of life.
8. Your religious judgment of what is "bad" isn't necessary.
This is probably one of my biggest pet peeves. No, don't call the LGBT community "bad" just because they don't fit in your holy book's definition of "good." I especially hate seeing commentators on television call out the LGBT community for destroying religion. All they have done is give us a reason to love more and not be ashamed about any kind of love. Love is a beautiful thing and the fact that people have tried to stop that process is horrendous on so many levels. Just remember, most religious texts don't promote hate, they promote love.
9. Protect our environment.
I've spoken a lot about humans, but let's not forget the trees, animals, and plants that share our nation and world too. I think many people don't like to believe that animals have feelings. Well, even if they don't, it's not good to treat them like garbage either. In addition, the plants and trees will soon vanish if we don't come into control with our carbon output. In order to be true leaders of the world, we must take the time to help developing nations create better methods of sustainability. I don't believe China or India should stop transitioning into an industrialized nation, but I believe there is a way we can help them foster this transition in a more eco-friendly manner.
10. Ask for help when we need it.
Unfortunately, many of our citizens go through very traumatic events in their lives. Many are pressured into "being strong" or simply "moving on," but I think this has proven to be an ineffective method. In fact, it has led to an increasing suicide rate and a rise in depression. Mental wellness is just as important as any other aspect of your life. It's important that we have our arms open for individuals who suffer from mental discomfort or illness.
11. Invest more in our education system.
I think a lot of people underestimate the power of education and its value. Education is a beautiful power that I'd say is a hidden gem. Education gives our citizens the ability to think for themselves and make rational decisions. It also prevents citizens from making policy decisions that could be detrimental to our nation and our values.
12. Give a world and culture to our younger generations that they will enjoy.
This is pretty self explanatory. Don't be selfish. Think about those who will inherit the world after you.
