This morning I watched a program with a hidden camera posted at a deli in Linden, New York. The set up was to see how people in the deli reacted to a display of racism by the supposed cook/owner toward a couple of Mexian day laborers. The first man took the side of the cook, agreeing that if the men couldn’t speak English, they shouldn’t be served though the two certainly had money. It saddens me to know that America is still so steeped in biggotry and hatred. Thankfully, not everyone reacted with malice toward the laborers! Some stood up to the owner and were ready to walk out on behalf of the two experiencing the discrimination. Worthwhile to note, I heard this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr:
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”
How to go about being the change you wish to see in the world? Speak up. Do the right thing. Stick up for the little guy. Know when to walk away. Keep your temper in check. Realize that everyone thinks differently and has different values. Honor theirs and yours.
On many levels, I failed at the above on the golf course. But I did speak up for the environment, the silent sufferer of an ignorant man’s ill will. So, on behalf of the fish, turtles, birds, and beach, the little guys, I forgive you, ignorant man.
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