Bigotry by definition:
Random House Dictionary: Stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own.
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary: The state of mind of a bigot; obstinate and unreasoning attachment of one's own belief and opinions, with narrow-minded intolerance of beliefs opposed to them.
I grew up rather sheltered home, the proverbial Leave it to Beaver household if you will. Mom stayed at home and tended to the house and children. Dad worked to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. I truly didn't know that there was bad in our world since all I had ever experienced was love. I didn't know that women were beaten; that children were neglected and abused; that bigotry existed for anything other than race.
I wasn't raised to see color, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. I was raised to see the beauty that radiates from within. After all, that is all that truly ever matters. Our shells grow older, our beliefs are redefined, our lives take varying paths, but one thing remains a constant, and that's how we treat our fellow man.
My personal quote is, and will always be: How you treat others at their most vulnerable defines you!
People have the right to voice their opinions without the fear of condemnation. Unfortunately, when bigotry is thrown into the equation, people are condemned for their opinions. Sure, I've been just as guilty as anyone when it comes to using disparaging words towards another human being. More often than not, it's in self defense though. Call me immoral, I'll lash out. Call me faithless if you choose, but you don't have that right! Stone and condemn me for my political affiliation, that's your right, as a bigot, but I shall not do the same to you. You have the right to disagree, after all, that's what makes a great debate. But you don't have the right to spew a cesspool of hatred towards me because of my beliefs!
The veil of bigotry is comprised of many layers, none of which are attractive!
I may have grown up naive and oblivious to all that is ugly within our country, but my eyes have been opened. I can now clearly see what has always existed. The picture may be marred now, but its beauty is still there... I just have to look towards it, turning away from that which is vile!
A good friend of mine recently taught me about toxic friendships. She gave me the tools necessary to make educated choices as to who my healthy relationships were, and who were those who contained toxins. Just like the flu will kick you in the butt, the incessant spewing of evil will also knock you off your feet. Why would one continually, and knowingly, expose themselves to a virus?
Real life can take a huge toll on a person, but when you've got supportive friends and family, it makes a difficult journey a little more tolerable. The flip side of that comes from those with narrow-minded intolerance for any viewpoint differing from their own. They'll beat you down and gain pleasure in doing so! It's difficult to cleanse your system of toxins, but it's necessary for your over all well being. For me, the cleansing process has already begun, and I'm feeling much better because of it.
Sometimes you've got to pull a few weeds to expose a gorgeous landscape! To all who read this, rid yourself of any hatred you may have inside, and open up to the beauty that surrounds you. We're all truly blessed!!!
FOOTNOTE: I wrote this a while ago and toyed with ever even posting it. I'm not delusional enough to think it will change one darn thing, nor do I think it will open anyone's eyes. It's just something I decided that I needed to post.
