We Have Become The Divided States Of America

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Remember when we were taught to love one another, share our toys, and treat others how you want to be treated? Somewhere along the line people seem to have forgotten this basic principle.

Look around. We have a law system founded on justice, yet children are dying in the streets, officers are being ambushed, and rapists are free to do as they please because of the prestige that has been associated with their race. When did rape stop being rape? When did murder stop being murder? Most importantly, when did a country based off multiculturalism become a breeding ground for racism and xenophobia? Sadly, these are only a few of the many pressing issues at the forefront of America and it’s time we start doing something to resolve them.

We are also approaching the end of the most polarized election in all of America’s political history, and quite honestly, our only two options are frightening. After several years of poor decision-making and frustration, our country is so desperate for change that we are left to choose between two individuals: a man defined as a demagogue, representing incompetence, bigotry, and false promises, and a woman who is considered unlikeable and non-relatable to a large majority of the population. Where are the leaders promoting progress and unity?

We have become willing to demoralize ourselves all for the hope of being “great again”, while completely disregarding what greatness actually means and working together for the better of our nation. When did we start fighting for leaders who mock the less fortunate and name-call, instead of one who will unite our society on good principles? When did we start fighting for a leader who has no interest in uniting people of different backgrounds, instead of dividing us by taking sides?

Instead of generalizing and blaming mass groups of people, let’s focus on how we can change things for the better.

We need to stop making impulsive and cruel generalizations. People of every color, ethnicity, or nationality, can be good, bad, hardworking, lazy, etc. It has nothing to do with what you look like on the outside, but everything to do with what kind of person you strive to be in life. There is no rationale behind using a person’s race to justify their action.

The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world; it’s what makes us beautiful and unique. Use this to our advantage; don’t allow it to destroy us.