Monday, April 6, 2009

What I Think

In reference to my previous post where I wrote – During the third quarter a large (black) man was making his way past the people sitting right below us. He wore a Barack Obama t-shirt and ballcap. I got his attention and said “great shirt!” The Man gave him a thumbs up as well. My new acquaintance sitting next to me watched the entire transaction and then leaned away from me and turned in his seat so all I could see of him was his back. From then on he only talked to his friend and made sure there was plenty of space between us.

I have no idea if that man turned his back on me because of racism or political beliefs or a combination of both.

What I do know is that in my 50 some years on this planet I have yet to discover a race, a colour, a belief, a gender, a sexual preference, or even an age that is better than the other.

What always stands out in my mind are the words ‘created equal’.

If someone can prove to me that one of the above is superior to the other than I’ll be happy to agree.

As it stands – you’re the same as me. No better – no worse.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Some people just thrive on being rude. I totally agree with you - we are all equal, no one is better than anyone, and equally no worse.

CJ xx

sallymandy said...

Nice sentiments. It helps me to remember that prejudice is usually based on fear--well, that's MY personal belief. If I can think of that person as afraid, it makes it easier to forgive. Because sometimes I make judgments, too, and it's always based on fear!

Thanks...I'm new to your blog. Have a nice week.

Irene said...

Hear, hear, Aims. My sentiments exactly and who am I to say I'm better than someone else? We all are human with our flaws and all.

Akelamalu said...

I totally agree with you!

ADDY said...

The way I see it, we are all brothers and sisters in one great big family.

Maggie May said...

I took it to mean that man was either racist or differing in political beliefs and either way, he shouldn't have let HIS beliefs make him so bigoted.
As you say, no one is better or worse than anyone else.
We have gaping flaws, all of us.
Jesus said *do not attempt to take a speck out of your neighbour's eye until you have taken out the log in your own.*

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Hear hear. Yer a grand lass and echo my sentiments exactly.

abb said...

Well put.

Elizabeth Bradley said...

I don't care what his reasons were. He was an ignorant pig. You have every right to be yourself.

Daryl said...

Amen, sistah!

Mean Mom said...

Well said! Prejudice is a very unpleasant thing and the rude man's behaviour was inexcusable.

Dr.John said...

I agree with you . My problem at the moment is people judging others by their political or philosophical beliefs. I find as I read blogs a terrific amount of hatred being poured by liberals on conservatives and by conservatives on liberals . Each side has stereotyped the other and have hate words they use on them over and over. Some of the people doing this are very nice people except for this. But hatred leaves little room for love, mercy, or even understanding.

Anonymous said...

Amen, sister :-)

BT said...

Well how utterly strange. I think I might have turned to him and asked if he had a problem!! Some people.

travelling, but not in love said...

I don't know how I missed that in the last post - must have been distracted. But that's pretty crap behaviour on his part. Weird.

And as Daryl said, poor him - he missed out on a treat by not talking to you...!

Mickle in NZ said...

Well said, dear Aims.

And for those who talk of tolerance? To me it isn't anyway enough. There needs to be respect.

Hope the snow has or is disapearring and that you have a happy and peaceful Easter.

Care and huggles, Michelle and Zebbycat

Anonymous said...

Well said

Cath said...

Oh well said lady! Well said!
And I apologise for the long overdue visit!
I missed you.

Toni said...

Actually, I am better than everyone, (obvious disclaimer for Elvis). The guy was rude but my first time in New Orleans I was drinking in a bar not far from Bourbon Street and it was the big black college game, Grambling against, I can't remember at the superdome and the barman finding out I was from the UK asked if I was intimidated by the overwhelmingly black crowds and I replied saying of course not I have plenty of coloured friends in London, he just grinned and said here we don't call 'em coloureds we call them niggers. I was quite shocked because there is no way wnyone in London would have said this so openly in London in 1990. Anyway gald you had a good time in New Orleans I have never been to a live NBA game but think Chris Paul is one of the best players ever.

aims said...

Toni - I can't believe anyone would say that either! That is just wrong and so much hate is wrapped up in that word. Makes my heart and stomach ache to have read that.

As for Chris Paul. Absolutely! We think he is the best and he's just starting. He's going to be a force to be reckoned with. If they could only get some 3-pointers on that team now.

His humanitarian efforts are impressive as well - all that for someone who is only 23. OMG!