I started this post several weeks ago, but I did not finish it. In honor of Nelson
Mandela, in honor of the season I think this piece is timely.
No one is born racist, homophobic, liberal, conservative or
full of hate. Each and every one of us
is a blank slate. However our beliefs
are quickly influenced by the people around us, specifically the people closest
to us.
Some of the most sad, frustrating and infuriating
experiences for me are seeing the beautiful, open and loving minds of children
being taught to hate. The hate being
taught is not a gift – it is a burden.
These children are not being saved from future hurt by some faceless “bad
person”, they are simply learning that entire groups of people
are bad and should be categorized as such.
Children’s worlds are narrowed with the thoughts that certain people are
innately bad or good, based solely on the color or their skin, their sexual
preference or their political or religious beliefs.
It is so important to teach our children to love. They will be happier if they see the good in
people. They will be stronger if they
can connect with people. They will be
healthier if they are full of love, not hate.
Be love. Be
kindness. Be understanding. Be compassionate. Be generous.
Be thoughtful. Be the person you hope your children to become. That is the
greatest gift you could possibly give them.
XOXO,
Megs
