I often think that I’m pretty naive when it comes to the matters of the world. Not because I don’t believe they exist, but because I want to believe that they can change…
Discrimination and hatred towards others is probably the biggest naivety on my part. I want so much to believe that we ALL can get along…we all can make this world a better place, together…but I’ve come to learn that our differences are sometimes looked at as negative…I don’t by this!
I believe we all are unique and beautiful in our own way…we ALL have something to offer this world…we ALL have something to offer to someone else…so, why is it so difficult to accept those differences that make us so unique and beautiful in the first place?
I recently saw an incredible film that truly depicts a pivotal moment in history, but also overcoming adversity in the midst of change.
The year was 1935; the place was Marshall, Texas at a little college called Wiley; the innovator was a man by the name of Professor Melvin B. Tolson…
Tolson was a man of great character, a man of action. During such a volatile time in the depths of the Deep South, as you can imagine, he choose to make changes, look past the differences in others, and unified not only a group of young people, but an entire community.
His story is now a major motion picture called ‘The Great Debaters’.
The film revolves around the efforts of Tolson at historically black Wiley College. His intent was to place his Debate Team on equal footing with whites in the Deep South, but he did so much more than that…he brought together four young college students and taught them the power and authority of words. He gave them the tools to make a voice for themselves in a world that didn’t except them because of the color of their skin.
As I sat and watched this film, I thought about our society today and sadly, how much hasn’t changed in regards to acceptance towards ALL people. Yet, I think about what Tolson did, what these four young debaters did, and I believe that we can make a difference if we fight for it.
The story of ‘The Great Debaters’ is a powerful one, a remarkable tale that speaks great volumes of the perseverance and fortitude of someone who wants to change the norm…
So...addressing the present day...if we want to see change, we must ACT for change...we must first accept those who might be different from us and see them for the beautiful creations that they are...that we ALL are...
...perhaps then, being a little naive, isn't such a bad thing? After all...believing in change is perhaps the only thing that keeps me optimistic that in fact, change is even possible at all...
5 comments:
If you are really interested in this I will email you concerning a diversity dialogue for women in our community that I am going to become a part of soon.
YES! Please send me the info! I'm TOTALLY interested!
Hi Emily! Great post! I grew up in a states that was less than 5% black and everyone else was unmistakenly white (with just a shake of other ethnicities here and there). I had 2 black kids in my school. We all got a long great. Not prejudice. Then I moved south. And a few years later, further south. And now I live in an extremely southern state where I am apart of the white minority. Its bizarre.... I have no prejudice in my heart because of my upbringing, but every day, I face elements of diversity on many different levels. Even our safety is supposedly under comprimisation (if that is a word - haha!) because of the racial tensions. I can't wait to see this movie. I'm fairly naive in the way you are, I think. I've just never thought of people in the sense of difference of skin color - and I'm thankful for that naiveity. But now I'm having to have a fast education on it - and racial tension is not only written about in history, and seen on the other side of my town, but its really REAL. And I agree - I just wish everyone would just put blinders on and unite. I hope someday we will be able to - but with the world the way it is, it may not be until we see Heaven. Keep on praying, my friend! I will too. Each heart has to change individually, and it IS possible. Be blessed.
My wife and I saw this movie advertised in World Magazine last week and commented that it looked like a good one...now reading your post, makes me really want to see it. We don't watch too many movies...too many other things to do. I saw your comment on Hermi's blog and found my way here. I like what you said on your profile about being a writer @ heart..that's me too. General Contractor by day/ writer whenever I can squeeze it in.
You said you are an Online Editor, how does that work? I'm guessing you love all things pertaining to writing? I will be looking for someone to help me proofread/ edit my 3rd book, do you do any of that stuff on the side? let me know. Sincerely, DM
Hi DM! Thank you SO MUCH for you comment! It really is an EXCELLENT film and I think EVERYONE should see it! Thank you for your kinds comments! Sometimes it's so hard to squeeze in time for writing...that's cool that you have the same passion...I LOVE to read other writers! And I am an editor for multiple websites throughout the U.S. It's kind of a weird job, hard to explain, but it's my thing! And YES, I LOVE everything pertaining to writing and I would LOVE to help proofread/edit your work! That is so awesome! Thank you for asking! I have a done a few things like that before and I edit everyday! So let me know! I would LOVE to be a part of it! THANK YOU! Sincerely...~Emily
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