With so much going on in the world right now, there is much tension taking place between different cultural groups. Take a few minutes to sit down and think about how you play a role in humanity. How do you perceive others? Do you judge others by the color of their skin? Does color of one's skin make you automatically assume different judgments based on cultural events or typical stereotypes?

1. I am not a color, nor am I a place.

Race, region, class, family, and neighborhood all make us who we are. Our ethnicity socially defines us, but who you are as a person should not solely depend upon the color of your skin or where you are born.

2. We should accept our ethnicity despite social views.

An ethic label shapes our culture and our prior legacies. We are part of a mass society and we are born into different cultural groups. Ethnicity has a much stronger value than social class because it crosses class lines. There is a common identity. With this in mind, our ethnicity should be celebrated because we share customs, norms, language, and common culture with others with the same ethnicity.

3. History should not identify me.

Wars, gangs, debates, and controversy do not define me. People with the same skin color may have had an unfortunate impact on society in history, but you did not plan a role in the incident. Society has a hard time accepting a non-judgmental way of viewing others. The sad truth is that we do not see the good in the color of skin; we always classify and judge those off of the bad.

4. I should not be distinguished (or discriminated against) for my physical appearance.

It’s not funny… It’s serious. Discrimination is nothing but stereotyping. It is not only unlawful, but it is unequal for one to single you out, giving you unequal treatment. As a society we need to begin to judge people off of their actions. Prejudice needs to die, as it should have a long time ago.