Not A Leaf

Consider this the only political rant I will ever write. I hate being political, talking politics or boring people with my opinions about things, but I know everyone does it so I’m stepping up on my soap box to get it over with.

My dear friend Ashley said it once and I’ve never forgotten it:

Don’t be ignorant. It’s dangerous to our country

Truer words have never been spoken.

I’ve gotten on my high horse as being a liberal since when I first studied government in high school and heard my parents talk about the U.S. and “where it’s going”. I can usually see both sides to a story since I was taught to be “objective” and not take a side. It’s hard not to, though. Everyone does end up leaning one way or another and it can be frustrating and annoying, but that’s the way it is I suppose.

However, one thing I absolutely have zero tolerance for, is ignorance in people and in the news. And both sides are guilty of being this way to the other.

It still fascinates me (in a sick way) how some people can be so close-minded about certain issues and/or people. I came to this country when I was 3 years old and I was amazed at how many different types of people existed in this world, and thought “We’re all here from different countries so we can all be friends” -insert Full House piano music here-

When I was old enough to realize that I was being kind of naive as a kid in a new world, I saw how some people act towards different ethnicities and races, and didn’t like what I saw. I still don’t. Maybe I’m biased because of my ethnic background, so sometimes I feel like I’m “always a target”, but it’s literally sick to me to see how someone can put someone down based on their race, ethnicity, physical appearance, or beliefs.

How can a country that is supposed to be “the land of opportunities” or a country that “offers equality to all”, still have these ideals or still act this way towards certain groups of people? How is it the country of opportunity when some people shun those who aren’t like them? What makes them so special to hold that kind of power? And why do these groups of people who are shunned made out to feel like victims, which could also result in hate? It’s just a back-and-forth game of Pong if you ask me. And its not just America. Most every country has undergone this kind of behavior, and is still witnessing it today.

I know it’s naive to want world peace, but why not? Why can’t we have some kind of peace out there to make things seem better even if they really aren’t better? Can’t some people just look at my religious beliefs or my family as being different instead of as being wrong or odd? I don’t think the things others believe are wrong or weird. It’s who they are. I don’t have to agree with it because it’s not something I want to believe, but I would never talk down about it, or make them feel inferior for believing it.

I was raised to accept people for who they are. Period. I like to think that I live by that. I am quite fortunate to have many friends from different backgrounds, with different beliefs, families, races, etc. and none of those differences ever gets in the way of us having a good time. My parents never forced religion on me, or told me to “stay away” from certain groups of people people cause they don’t want people to steer clear of them.

Ignorance is dangerous to our country and if there was a way to stop it, I would. Of course, that would put a lot of power on me, and I’m not sure I’m up for that kind of responsibility.