Treating others with Respect
View(s):What is the best way to deal with racism? By thinking that we cannot change things, that certain situations in life are beyond us and that we must leave that to elected officials. We let people manipulate our emotions and pull wool over our eyes. So we react. Those that hold racist views say what they need to, those that don’t agree react and then our collective anger is used against us because we validate what they say. Anger is a weapon only to your opponent. It will be used against you. Anger makes us use more emotion and less logic.
If someone insults or ridicules you, your faith, your race or just about anything, don’t react, respond. Reacting is exactly what the other side wants you to do. Respond by refusing to react, by being patient, by having a sense of humour, by trying to understand why the other side thinks that way. It takes two hands to clap and if one side doesn’t take the bait, you know which side has more character.
We sometimes forget that the most powerful tool of change in this world is our self. Be a role model to others. Treat everyone fairly and with respect – the exact same way you would want to be treated too.
Another thing we can proactively do is to create community dialogue. If it’s an issue, gather people around you in any forum possible – be it through awareness programmes through volunteering, using social media or even write about it. Volunteering and sport is a great way to bring people of all ages, races and gender together to work together for a greater cause. It not only builds camaraderie and team spirit amongst individuals, you also work for something that goes beyond any negative stereotype.
We see stereotypes everyday in books, television, movies, teledramas, on social media platforms; unconsciously, it becomes something we believe in and carry with us throughout our life. If you see a stereotype, address it, talk about it with your kids and if possible report it.
The most important lesson we all need to learn and teach our children is this: Respect. While we should feel proud that we belong to a certain culture, it does not mean that we have the right to disrespect or feel superior to another group. We should share our food, culture, traditions and knowledge with all groups because we make our common heritage richer by doing so.
This was written by a Stitch volunteer. To find out more visit www.stitchmovement.com
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