In modern day America many people are scared, angry, and hateful towards others. Donald Trump continues to tell American citizens that the key to a safe world is separation rather than unity, that the path to peace includes building a wall, and that we should view a religion as a threat. I understand why people are scared. The countless acts of terror, mass shootings, hate crimes, police brutality, and brutality against police. The list seems to go on and on…but they all seem to have one thing in common: hate.
Hilary Clinton, when making history at the DNC quoted past president FDR reminding us that, the “only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Building a stronger America and a more peaceful world starts with the individual. No human is born racist, sexist, or prejudicial towards others. Hate is like a virus that is spread from person to person. Luckily there is something much more powerful out there to combat this. Everyone knows how to love the second they are born.
Whether it is a small act of kindness, standing up for someone who cannot, or simply loving yourself, love is infectious and will spread with time. Teaching your children to love everyone, not just people like them, is important for the generations to come.
It amazes me that I grew up in a world where your gender determines your paycheck and your nationality or religion determines the way you are treated by officials. It makes me sad that parents have to tell their children they have to be extra careful around others because they are “different." I was raised in a household where I always knew love was love. I didn’t have to learn that your skin color does not define you because I always knew appearances are only skin deep. Unfortunately this is not the case for everyone. Some people’s lives have been shaped by fear, stereotypes, and hate for those who are “different."
The truth is the differences in us are what make our country the most beautiful of all. I am excited to raise my children in a country where they are exposed to all cultures and perspectives rather than just one. I am proud to be part of a country called a melting pot. I know America is already great for countless reasons. America may be struggling now as well as other parts of the world but the root of all of our issues is the disability to coexist and where there is absence of acceptance. Once we can love everyone, including those who refuse to love us back, we have already won. Love trumps hate and that is what we must build upon as a nation. Together we are stronger!
