Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

In the words of the fallen Heather Heyer, "if you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention."

Aug 23, 2017

People

The events of the past week have left me speechless. As I sit here typing, trying to find a way to reconcile all the hatred that has consumed our country, I know deep down there is nothing I can say that will neutralize it. Yet, here I am trying to do so. Trying to spread some hope in a time when we need it desperately.

In the words of the fallen Heather Heyer, "if you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention”. These words could not ring truer today, there is no conscionable defense for the appalling display of hate that took place in Charlottesville, and even less so for the President's weak response.

It sounds silly for me to ask "why can't we all just get along?" when there is such blatant polarization, which I'm not saying is unjustified, yet the question seems futile. But is it really?

Is it really too much for me to ask for people to drop their prejudices and realize that we all live in the same country, follow the same laws, and salute the same flag regardless of how some of us may view others? None of the hatred and reprehensible behavior has any effect on the simple fact that at the end of the day we are all Americans.

So, why can't we act like it? I wish I could answer that question. I wish I could understand what drives some people to believe they are superior to others simply because of their skin color or national origin. I wish I could tell every single person who feels like they're being targeted or discriminated against that I stand with them against hate and injustice. But that won't fix our problem.

What will help, is for us to recognize that hatred and bigotry are intolerable behaviors, that we as a nation must stand against. Even if you're not the one being targeted, you, as a fellow countryman, still have the responsibility to stand in solidarity with your brothers and sisters who are. I know I do. And I hope that this inspires anyone reading this to do the same.

Silence is just as bad as indifference if you're staying quiet you're tolerating hate. Speak up, loudly, and while one voice might not make a difference, many will.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

In the words of the fallen Heather Heyer, "if you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention."

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It's not as easy as it sounds.

PRO: More time for self care.

CON: More time to overthink.

PRO: More time to spend with family and friends.

CON: More time to get into trouble.

You can be yourself without having to explain yourself, because she accepts you and loves you just the way you are.

The temperature may not be very Autumn-like, but these playlists sure are.

1. Southern Gothic

2. Autumn Acoustics

3. Autumn Leaves

4. Deep Dark Indie

5. Dreamy Fall

6. Halloween Hipster

7. Wanderlust

8. Your Favorite Coffeehouse

... Because life happens

1. Realizing there's no more toilet paper when it's already too late.

2. Making a cup of coffee in the morning and forgetting it in the car.

3. Pushing doors that say pull.

4. When you hear people chew.

5. When it's really quiet in a room and you hear that one person breathing like they just ran a marathon.

6. Grabbing a chocolate chip cookie, only to realize it's actually oatmeal raisin.

7. Getting comfortable in bed and then realizing you forgot to pee/turn off the light.

8. That one aunt/uncle that just always gives you that creepy vibe.

9. When your teacher makes you buy a textbook that you never even crack open.

10. Continuing to open and reopen the fridge until the food that you want magically makes its way in there.

11. Walking into a room and then automatically forgetting why you went in there.

12. People that drive without using their blinker.

13. When you have really slow wi-fi.

14. People who feel the need to scream into their phones as if the other person can't hear them.

15. The world's obsession with the Kardashian/Jenner families.

16. Advertisements before Youtube videos.

17. When people read over your shoulder.

18. A-holes that park in the handicapped spots when they, in fact, not handicapped.

19. People who cut in line.

20. The LIRR/MTA

21. Being stuck behind someone who is walking painfully slow.

22. When people smoke cigarettes right in front of the entrance to the building you have to walk into.

23. When boys think it's cool to treat girls like crap.

24. Guys that still go to high school parties even though they've been out of high school for years.

25. Celebrities that are obviously lip-syncing.

26. How you need a scissor to get the scissor out of its package.

27. When people text using that stupid "voice text" function.

28. Telling someone you can't hear them, so they use the same exact volume and just repeat what they said.

29. When someone gets in the shower right as you were about to get in the shower.

30. Saying "What?" for some reason, even though you heard what the person said.

31. When you're in a rush but the light is red.

32. Cashiers putting your change down on the counter instead of in your hand.

33. The people that go up to order food to the cashier but are still continuing their phone conversation.

34. That awkward time in the fall when it's freezing in the morning but stifling in the afternoon.

35. Emailing your professor a long winded paragraph about a problem you are having and they email back, "Sure."

36. Guys who put their car as their profile picture on Facebook.

37. Girls who have "X Years Young." in their Instagram bios.

38. Trying to find the beginning to a roll of tape.

39. When people drive your car and adjust your mirrors/seat.

40. People that talk during the movie.

41. People that decide to engage in conversation right in the middle of the hallway/sidewalk.

42. When someone says, "no offense," and then continues to say something offensive.

43. People that pop their significant others pimples.

44. Teacher's pets.

45. Going to the bathroom and someone goes into the stall right next to you.

46. When someone leaves your room and doesn't shut the door.

47. Political debates between two people who know nothing about politics.

48. When you get all ready to go out and your friend cancels plans.

49. People that drop their friends for their significant other.

50. People that don't like animals.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

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