I turned 40 this year. Despite my terror at the effect gravity has had on my outer shell, I realize I have more tolerance for the world at large and less tolerance for stupidity. In the past twenty years I've learned more about the world than I ever knew existed. I'm amazed daily. Humbled by the enormity of our planet and what exists beyond it.
The Internet has opened our daily lives to other nations, religions, and cultures. Yet too many human beings remain insulated from anything "other". They have no interest in discovering that not all people from Arab nations are terrorists. They refuse to even consider that gay men and women do not choose their sexual orientation. They are more concerned with what their neighbors are doing than what is going on in their own homes. Shows like "Jersey Shore", "Sixteen & Pregnant", and "The Bachelor" get more attention than they should. I hope the next generation doesn't believe those are worthy role models. I hope they don't think there will be a box called "Rap Millionaire" on career day.
Blanket statements adhering to stereotypes based in ignorance. We have to learn from what has gone before in order to keep from making the same mistakes over and over again.
Life Experience Has Given Me:
Helping Up - Not Handing Out
Tolerance
Listening
Withholding Judgment
We'll have to wait a while longer to see what souvenirs our children end up with. Let's hope drug addiction, teen pregnancy, and gang violence aren't in the top ten.
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