A No-Labels Society. Not a Dream, a Reality.
Posted by
patrick
What would the world look like if we all accepted each other? What would it look like if people were appreciated for what's on the inside rather than the outside? Would the world be a happier place? Absolutely!
My so-called "handicapped" body (seeing as how I don't have arms) allows me to watch how society acts around people with special needs. As an Inspirational Speaker, I often get to tell my audiences that society sees me as handicapped way before it sees me as a person.
My 18 month old daughter recently learned that she could hold my left foot while I drive my powered wheelchair with my right foot. She does this when told and sometimes just for fun. She can hold on to me so that she stays save in crowded areas.
What is so inspiring and amazing to me is Hannah's acceptance of what is "normal" in our family. She doesn't know any differently, so she treats me with full acceptance and love unlike the world around me that often treats me as handicapped before they get to know me. Hannah's attitude shows what we all could be like if we simply treated others with respect and love without judging others based on looks.
When I speak, one of my favorite topics is how to see people instead of labels. Our labels hinder our societal growth so much so that in order to be politically correct, we've come up with additional labels to replace the old ones as the old labels are now seen as inappropriate. While that is a good step to take, I believe we are treating a symptom of a bigger problem.
What if, instead of labels, we saw all people as simply, people? If there was no need to classify, we wouldn't have to come up with creative ways of saying hurtful things. Without labels, everyone in our society would be on equal ground.
The answer, we would have a peaceful, loving society. Instead of going to war over labels, we would see the enemy as humans. Instead of quibbling over the money that we have earned, we would see the homeless as humans, and desire to help. So, try it today. Instead of seeing an African-American, handicapped, or poor person, try seeing a human instead...and see if that changes your prespective!
My so-called "handicapped" body (seeing as how I don't have arms) allows me to watch how society acts around people with special needs. As an Inspirational Speaker, I often get to tell my audiences that society sees me as handicapped way before it sees me as a person.
My 18 month old daughter recently learned that she could hold my left foot while I drive my powered wheelchair with my right foot. She does this when told and sometimes just for fun. She can hold on to me so that she stays save in crowded areas.
What is so inspiring and amazing to me is Hannah's acceptance of what is "normal" in our family. She doesn't know any differently, so she treats me with full acceptance and love unlike the world around me that often treats me as handicapped before they get to know me. Hannah's attitude shows what we all could be like if we simply treated others with respect and love without judging others based on looks.
When I speak, one of my favorite topics is how to see people instead of labels. Our labels hinder our societal growth so much so that in order to be politically correct, we've come up with additional labels to replace the old ones as the old labels are now seen as inappropriate. While that is a good step to take, I believe we are treating a symptom of a bigger problem.
What if, instead of labels, we saw all people as simply, people? If there was no need to classify, we wouldn't have to come up with creative ways of saying hurtful things. Without labels, everyone in our society would be on equal ground.
The answer, we would have a peaceful, loving society. Instead of going to war over labels, we would see the enemy as humans. Instead of quibbling over the money that we have earned, we would see the homeless as humans, and desire to help. So, try it today. Instead of seeing an African-American, handicapped, or poor person, try seeing a human instead...and see if that changes your prespective!
About the Author:
Learn more about happiness. Check out Texas Speaker - Chet McDoniel for more info and a free download!
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