It is All About the Color of Your Soul

“Collective fear stimulates herd instinct and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd.” — Bertrand Russell

They are NOT children of a lesser God…

I am giving myself the liberty to voice my concerns on the issue of prejudice because I too feel the distress of favoritism when it comes to my origin and sometimes, my religion. So, here are my 2 cents on this never-ending sequence.

Amid the countless catastrophic events we are encountering in our world today, and every day, discrimination against complexion infuriates me most. For as long as we can all remember, prejudice against skin color is an ongoing cycle that is finding no end. It is honestly heartbreaking. It is truly a shame.

While I may “occasionally” grasp the reason behind some wars, the endless struggle for power, and the savage fights for authority — which I all condemn, I have not been able to comprehend why some human beings are being attacked for no reason except for how they look like.

Why would an individual be differentiated and reprimanded for not belonging to the herd?

The only color I see in this whole dilemma is the dim color of racism. Biased beings have an incredible ability to change their skin colors just like chameleons do. How? They claim to build communities based on “love.” They treat their loved ones and friends with “respect” and “kindness”, they declare “inner values” — values designed on their own terms. Yet, they are incapable of nurturing their values when it comes to fellow human beings, who they refer to as “people of color”. To me, bias is their true color. The color of darkness which took over their souls.

Unfortunately, bigotry is not only taking place in one major country as claimed in the media. This devastating event is silently prevalent in many parts of the world. It is not necessarily demonstrated through violence though.

I have witnessed people express their animosity towards people of color by degrading, humiliating, and mistreating them, or simply denying their rights and treating them as inferiors. They use their power to do what they desire while no one is at liberty to question or comment on such acts.

In a “civilized” country I visited once, black people in particular, are referred to as “slaves”, no matter what their social status is. This is a culture issue, a demeaning environment, where all generations seem to blindly concur on this same notion without questioning it.

People of color are human beings, and they are free just like you are. They are worthy and are entitled to ample respect just like you are.

It is a sad fact of life that this injustice still exists in our current era. Unlike what the whole world believes, with all the modernism we have reached to, our minds are regressing.

I can relate and say this because I too experienced bias, obviously for different reasons, and I understand how nasty and unfair the feeling can be. I can also relate because I lived for many years in Africa and even though there was no violence, I always sensed the bitterness in the African people’s hearts… a hurt, they cannot get over and will not be able to overcome if white folks continue doing what they are doing.

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” — Mother Teresa

If you are one of those who feel the loathing, it is time for you to stop following the herd. It is about time you rewire your brain. Before you judge others, put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself the sensible question of “what if I were a person of “undesired” color, would I want to be treated this way?” Dig in and find out where your anger is stemming from and the reason behind this oblivious behavior. Find it in yourself to modify your views and actions and start seeing your fellow beings the way you view yourself — a human being. Do not fall a victim of your mindset. Do not acknowledge the negative views of people around you. Avoid individuals with discerning thoughts and cease to blame others for your problems.

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” — Maya Angelou

We have listened to and read enough articles recommending ways to deal with discrimination and clarifying its impacts on mental and physical health. We now need to be more creative in finding ways to stop this cyclical reality.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” — Leo Tolstoy

Each human being is held responsible for their action towards others. If we start with ourselves, if we are aware of the harm we cause other human beings, if we really know who we are and start being fair to each other, if we can stop denying each other, these small but steady acts will guarantee a positive change.

Start with yourself. Take it upon yourself to stand against bigotry and ignorance so that you can contribute to making the world a more peaceful place.

“I have no race prejudices, and I think I have no color prejudices or caste prejudices nor creed prejudices. Indeed I know it. I can stand any society. All that I care to know is that a man is a human being-that is enough for me; he can’t be any worse.” — Mark Twain

We are all unique in one way or the other, yet equal. If you, as a human being, have the power to create a single living soul, I will be the first to worship you… Stop walking around feeling proud of features you had NOTHING to do with. Instead, be grateful, feel the blessings of what you were granted, and be appreciative of all God’s creations and mindful of people’s feelings. Make no mistake, we are all made of flesh and blood.

It is crucial for everyone to feel a sense of belonging, and that only begins with mutual respect and embracing all mankind. The color of your skin or where you come from does not give you the privilege to degrade others. We all have a shared responsibility, to embrace each other and tolerate each other at any cost.

Whether you are white, black, yellow, rich, famous, powerful, healthy, or endowed any other privilege, appreciate your blessings, and build on them. Many people are struggling, and they only ask for the chance to live peacefully. Do not take that away from them…

No religion, no cult, no circle, no community, and no creed in this whole world, gives anyone the right to mistreat others.

“Nothing is more fleeting than external form, which withers and altars like the flowers of the field at the appearance of autumn” — Umberto Eco

Illuminate the color of your soul. External looks are not what define us as human beings. Our prettiness radiates from within. What makes a difference is the exquisiteness of our souls, our genuine emotions, our compassion, our good actions towards each other, and the positive impact we have in this world. Let us remember these facts and be kind to one another.