There seems to be a great deal of confusion in the world today. People everywhere have got it in their heads that there are different 'races of the world' and these ethnic backgrounds provide the bases for clear separation and division. Oh, how naive we are. There is but one race: the Human race.
The classification of people based on the color of their skin was introduced as a way to implement a system of hierarchies within society. It was an easy way to categorize people as the human form takes many shapes across the face of the earth. Over the years, such systems grew incredibly successfully. We see people's complexion before anything else about them. Race has effectively become the dominant color of our lives.
I don't mean to say that I personally naturally 'rise above' and exclude myself from contributing to these systems. I'm not sure anyone can say they truly do not see color. However, we do not have to be true to our humanity by trying to mesh everyone into one type of life or existence. We are called to embrace our own individuality and celebrate those of others'. We are called to bring forth the best in others by living the best lives that we can.
We are a long, long way from the mutual recognition that Jessica Benjamin brilliantly described as the key to true harmonic coexistence. It seems we are even farther than some of us had thought prior to the election of Donald Trump as president. To all black, female, Hispanic, immigrant, Muslim, disabled, poor people across the nation and the world, know that you have an ever-expanding village of support behind you. As citizens of this country I implore you to grow and expand and never give up hope because you are what makes America great again, and again, and again.
Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end.
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