"The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world"
Recently I read on facebook about a situation where the above quote makes sense. A man was in a fast food restaurant when a friend of his---of the same-sex---came up and displayed some affection. A child noticed and questioned his mother about it when she loudly proclaimed how some people are going to hell and they're beyond saving. This is the morality lesson being taught to children: That some have more value than others. And we wonder why bullying is an epidemic in this country? We wonder why wars are fought? We wonder why hateful words leave others' mouths? Why the KKK, the Nazis, and the Westboro Baptists of the world get away with their hate-speech? LOOK AT WHAT WE TELL OUR CHILDREN ABOUT SOCIETY!
"Some have more value than others"
To me, that is taking someone's value and making it less.
To me, it does matter how we view others' value. Everyone, gay or straight, male, female, white, black, US Citizen or illegal alien... African, Australian or Norwegian... We are all human. Each of us is equal on that level. Regardless of background, we're all human beings with worth and value. The idea that some are valued above others is disgusting. Regardless of your personal religious beliefs, why do we have to teach our children about value of others' lives?
As Eliza Doolittle said in Pygmalion: "The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she's treated."
I don't believe that there should be any difference in how we treat people. We should treat them equally as human beings because that is our common core. We should treat every homeless person with kindness. We should not elevate popstar icons to be above the laws of the land, as it acts as if their value is greater than others.
When I think about the adoption I am planning, I can barely believe the words that are said: Some children are unadoptable and unwanted. Kabaale is one who is classified as unwanted. He has waited for many months on the list of available children with no one truly interested before me.
"The difference between a white baby and a black baby is not how he behaves, but how he is treated"---how is that George Bernard Shaw remake of the quote?
A black baby is thought of as lesser and is treated differently in the adoption world. Even in the United States, it is less expensive to adopt a black child than a white child. Some of my friends have said that they're pitied when others see them with children who are 'Obviously not their own biological children' due to their race.
What message does it give future generations that we continue with this ignorance?
When I was at the Humane Society, I found Prince and immediately loved him. I found out he is a "dangerous dog breed" and therefore also unadoptable. Prince is completely harmless and the most loyal of dogs. How can someone take a label and assign an animal's value and worth to it?
One message I will give to the Universe: If you feel as if your value is less and that others treat you badly for it, you need to know that your morality is greater than those who preach hate. Your love is stronger than theirs which in my mind sets you apart. Your value is equal as humans, but your place within humankind is much more important.
And to the Kabaales out there in the world who are unwanted and unadoptable because you're older dark skinned children... There is someone here in Utah who will do his best to adopt more of you and give you the home you deserve within a family who will love you. I think your skin is beautiful. I think your souls are beautiful. And children who are unwanted will always have a place in my home and heart.
You cannot have a value as you are priceless.
Recently I read on facebook about a situation where the above quote makes sense. A man was in a fast food restaurant when a friend of his---of the same-sex---came up and displayed some affection. A child noticed and questioned his mother about it when she loudly proclaimed how some people are going to hell and they're beyond saving. This is the morality lesson being taught to children: That some have more value than others. And we wonder why bullying is an epidemic in this country? We wonder why wars are fought? We wonder why hateful words leave others' mouths? Why the KKK, the Nazis, and the Westboro Baptists of the world get away with their hate-speech? LOOK AT WHAT WE TELL OUR CHILDREN ABOUT SOCIETY!
"Some have more value than others"
To me, that is taking someone's value and making it less.
To me, it does matter how we view others' value. Everyone, gay or straight, male, female, white, black, US Citizen or illegal alien... African, Australian or Norwegian... We are all human. Each of us is equal on that level. Regardless of background, we're all human beings with worth and value. The idea that some are valued above others is disgusting. Regardless of your personal religious beliefs, why do we have to teach our children about value of others' lives?
As Eliza Doolittle said in Pygmalion: "The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she's treated."
I don't believe that there should be any difference in how we treat people. We should treat them equally as human beings because that is our common core. We should treat every homeless person with kindness. We should not elevate popstar icons to be above the laws of the land, as it acts as if their value is greater than others.
When I think about the adoption I am planning, I can barely believe the words that are said: Some children are unadoptable and unwanted. Kabaale is one who is classified as unwanted. He has waited for many months on the list of available children with no one truly interested before me.
"The difference between a white baby and a black baby is not how he behaves, but how he is treated"---how is that George Bernard Shaw remake of the quote?
A black baby is thought of as lesser and is treated differently in the adoption world. Even in the United States, it is less expensive to adopt a black child than a white child. Some of my friends have said that they're pitied when others see them with children who are 'Obviously not their own biological children' due to their race.
What message does it give future generations that we continue with this ignorance?
When I was at the Humane Society, I found Prince and immediately loved him. I found out he is a "dangerous dog breed" and therefore also unadoptable. Prince is completely harmless and the most loyal of dogs. How can someone take a label and assign an animal's value and worth to it?
One message I will give to the Universe: If you feel as if your value is less and that others treat you badly for it, you need to know that your morality is greater than those who preach hate. Your love is stronger than theirs which in my mind sets you apart. Your value is equal as humans, but your place within humankind is much more important.
And to the Kabaales out there in the world who are unwanted and unadoptable because you're older dark skinned children... There is someone here in Utah who will do his best to adopt more of you and give you the home you deserve within a family who will love you. I think your skin is beautiful. I think your souls are beautiful. And children who are unwanted will always have a place in my home and heart.
You cannot have a value as you are priceless.