There’s so much hate revolving our world right now. And because of this, it’s very easy to get blindsided by all the controversy that’s going on currently. 

But there are times when people can share things. They can be together without this undying feeling of hatred inside them. Like recently, when I visited New Orleans and saw this street show centered around the well known phrase “There’s only one race. The human race.” It triggered multiple thoughts in my brain about how we can be happy and united as one. And it reminded me of what it was like to be able to feel that togetherness instead of having to choose sides. There are times such as those.

But they’re rare.

Because, then comes along reality.

And this reality is that racism blinds people. It pushes them to believe in timeless stereotypes and causes unnecessary fights. Acting hostile towards another human being because of their color is not only ridiculous but it also shows a lack of maturity in being able to handle situations like sensible and practical adults.

Living in the United States, a country whose backbone among other things is built upon the cultural influence of past years, it’s saddening to see that racism, which should’ve never occurred in the first place, is very obviously still living in many, many places. 

I wonder how hard it is for one to realize the consequences of their actions; the gravity of their decisions.

The only thing racism contributes to is a more divided nation. We all live in the same country, abide by the same laws, and attempt to do justice to life as much as we can. How can we laugh together one minute and tear each other apart the next? 

But, it’s not just racism. A divided nation could have more than tens and thousands of reasons for instability.

In fact, a 2017 PEW research center poll recorded that of the 5,000 people that took the survey over issues such as racial discrimination and immigration, the partisan divide over said political issues has significantly expanded since the early 1990s.

It’s almost as if we’re divided over everything except division. It’s either red or blue, color or no color, money or no money. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

It’s an immensely dangerous problem that if left alone will never have a solution.

Division simply can’t be mended in a day. It may take years for any development, but at least we’ll be able to see a sign of progress. It’s our job to create a better future for those that succeed us. It’s time to take responsibility for our actions and work towards that future.