We the people of America are living in a world of mayhem. Watching terrorist attacks occur on the news to seeing lives gone day after day is starting to take a toll on my heart, and I'm sure on millions of others as well. Growing up as a diverse human has shown me a lot throughout the years. Being a young, African-American female who grew up and still lives in a suburban (predominately white) area, who has traveled the world, lived with a disability and has been raised to have no judgement about others -- plus was taught to be open minded -- has completely changed my life for possibly the better, and is probably the reason why I still have my hope and faith for America that one day (our generation) will be able to change the current ways and can make a difference for our future children.
Seeing the news this past week, I have shed too many tears for all of the lives that were at risk, injured and even taken. All lives matter. Everyone is a human being and should be treated like a human being. Your skin color should not affect the way you are treated. The religion you practice should not affect the way that you are treated and your social class should not affect the way you are treated.
Since being home from college, I have noticed on social media that the violence occurring in America has shed light on numerous incidents including the shooting in Orlando to Alton Sterling and it's mind-blowing. We are all humans. I seriously cannot say that enough -- just because you are a certain skin color does not mean I am bad, or I deserve to be treated ignorantly, or without respect, but that's how it is, and we have to deal with it. There is really nothing we can do. If we don't think we're being treated right or fair, we could face other consequences that are not worth losing my confidence, voice or life over.
It is just not a race thing either. My heart breaks for GLBTQ community. If it is one thing we can all relate on is we are not all treated equally. It's sad. Of course not every colored or GLBTQ person is wrong or with no respect, but there is a large majority of us that face occasions on the daily and we just have to go on. But I am here to say I will not go on every day like there is nothing wrong with America, and that we live in this great country.
This year in my practicum journalism class, I learned that we talk way more than we listen. We need to listen. If we're not listening we are not taking in the instances, issues and reoccurring stories around us. We are not learning but just letting history repeat itself. Hearing about the news in Dallas I feel was caused by this exact issue. Americans across the country have protested numerous times to have police do everything they can without shooting, unless in specific circumstances, but this is not the case that has been happening recently, and I believe as a result, the shooting occurred because they wanted people to listen and get the memo. I am not supporting this nor agreeing that this is right. I am just looking at the causes and effects of the past few years.
Watching candidates for this upcoming election wows me. Do we actually listen to what they are saying and doing or do we just go with a side because it's cool because that is what your family does or expects. Watching the clip of Donald Trump offend people with disabilities makes me sick. Going to a university that can cater to students with disabilities has opened my eyes. I have a disability but it is hidden, no one would really know unless i said something but just having someone who could be a future leader of this country make fun of, degrade, and just care less about the majority of the population concerns me about what people we have here in America. Do his supporters actually feel this way about all of these matters?
America needs a change if it wants a better future. We the youth and young adults of America are that change, and we need to start now. If we do not make an effort, then nothing will change, ever. Too many lives, families and hearts have been damaged and I cannot dare to see more go on.
I still have my faith and hope for America, as I hope you do, too. We are the hope for the future and I hope we can make this change, to truly "Make America Great Again."
