EDITORIAL: Accepting Our Differences

By Christina Fermin

Politics & Society Columnist

We all have our idiosyncratic differences and each one of us wants to be accepted for our traditional or non traditional ways. Growing up in a Catholic household there are things you do and things that you are expected not to do. I find this to be the same with other religions, beliefs, cultures and backgrounds. The generations that have come since the civil rights and hippie movements have really pushed the limits and made some great breakthroughs. Conservatives and traditionalist may think not so great about the cultural change among the last few decades, but there is always that tug-a-war that goes on between shifts that occur among the masses and the ruling beliefs.

This young generation is already showing to push limits beyond what baby boomers ever thought would happen, but the bottom line is they want to be accepted. We all want to be accepted and some of us are able to cope better than others, but in the spirit of trying to be “normal” we not only feel rejected but its very damaging spiritually and mentally. If we are not physically harming ourselves or others, then what is the problem?

Body art and being out about sexuality were virtually unacceptable 30 years ago, my generation is not only sporting tattoos but more open about their sexuality and women have infiltrated institutions traditionally dominated by men. In demand of wanting to be accepted rather than marginalized, ignored or looked down upon, the generations have lashed in different ways. Body art and music has been key in going against the norm and generally not accepting what traditional society would like.

Has society really gone crazy? Crime is at an all time low and my generation no matter how peculiar they look or act, are mostly peaceful people who sometimes make bad decisions. Most of our prisoners today are in prison for non violent crimes, such as drugs. Perceptions always deceive and people are never what their first impression gives, you cannot judge a book by its cover, there are always layers and it’s understanding those layers to the complexities and idiosyncrasies of people that make them who they are.

If you want to do something and start making a difference in this life, then I suggest you put aside all judgements and beliefs about people and groups of people and just accept who they are. A bit of compassion and acceptance goes a long way, Jesus and Buddha both spoke on the importance of love, compassion and acceptance, if we just stick to those 3 core teachings we can dramatically change the world inside and out. I, like others have gone through my own journey and crossed boundary lines finding that it was not the end of the world as I originally thought, it is actually really nice once the storm passes. Letting go of beliefs can be very difficult at first, but once it is done, there comes a freedom unlike anything ever experienced.

Live and let live, life has its own ways of teaching us the important things. Fighting against that which does not harm is pointless, accept the fact that everyone who has a tattoo is not a bad person and homosexuality is not the evilest thing on the planet. Why be concerned with that which doesn’t harm or concern you. We have made some pretty big leaps in the last decade and we still have work to do, but in the meantime, put aside those beliefs and just accept. Once you begin accepting people for their idiosyncrasies, you can accept you for yours, making not only your world a better place but the world at large.

Peace & Love,

Christina

About the Columnist

With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.

Posted in: Editorial Columns