We choose to be divided.
Borders, walls, the masks upon which we rely day after day. We are so afraid of what lies beneath–what will happen when we cut down our walls and become vulnerable–that we have lost ourselves in distraction, division and indecisiveness. Television keeps us placated, alcohol sooths our tortured souls, and when we dig through the lies, hate and deceit, one could only fathom that we would glimpse at the bottom of our own Pandora’s Box the fading shimmer of hope. It is this hope upon which I rely; hope for the future, hope for today, and hope that rather than shunning our differences, we may grow stronger by them.
It is the great diversity of Humanity that lends us strength, that keeps us cohesive. That inspires and enriches our lives and the lives of so many around us. It is through difference that we learn, that we grow, that we survive. The human mind cannot learn without a model upon which to draw comparison. We cannot move beyond ourselves without the mirror provided by our peers. It is ironic, then, that these very differences are what seemingly fuel our division.
Or do they? I’m not so sure. I think what has really happened is we have lost our spirit, and in doing so, turned traitor to the one thing that makes us and our society unique. Look at the animal kingdom; you see personality, perhaps, but do you see individuality? Diversity, yes, but none such as the Human species. Our minds are capable of such grandeur, so subtle our art, so melodious our music. We go through our lives with one goal: to be unique. To be the best person we can. It’s not just simply about survival. It’s about expressing the core of our soul.
No, I say our diversity cannot be the source of the pain of our Human experience. Diversity does not cause war. Difference does not murder, it does not oppress, it does not ask us to be what we are not.
Insecurity, indifference, ignorance; these are the things that fuel the fright so far within those who would support such unthinkable acts as war, genocide, and bigotry. So I ask of you this:
The next time you watch the news and hear about the latest murder, or war, or rape, rather than committing judgment against those who have wronged, turn that judgment inward. Ask yourself who you are. Grasp onto the hope and realize that only you have control over making your life, and the lives of those around you, better. I promise you… buried within your pain is hope. But you must tear down your walls and feel this pain before you can set your heart free. You must embrace your own difference before you can realize your purpose.
And in doing so, Humanity will be one soul closer to true freedom.
