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America is often referred to as a beacon of hope. We offer a wealth of employment, diverse range of people, and limitless opportunities for those willing to work for it. The truth is, the melting pot that is The United States of America is filled with deeply rooted racial problems that are of our own doing. We live together, equally and quite separately with little understanding of our neighbors both personally and culturally.
The good news change is most effective when we all bind together. Even if in small doses, subtle changes can be quite effective. Here’s a few ways you can begin your own path on a road less focused on societal differences and headed toward acceptance.
Leave Your Comfort Zone
Studies remain certain that people tend to adopt characteristics from their five closest friends. We do so subconsciously and if you take a moment to think about it, I bet you can identify at least one thing from each of your friends that wouldn’t exist as a part of you had they not been there.
Shaping our values based on our top five is both good and bad. Good in that we have a safe place to rely on, bad because we have a safe place to rely on. Seldom, do we go out of our way to meet people who challenge us and question our views. And it’s because of this that difficult conversations may not be brought to the table and our beliefs are skewed.
If you swing left, it may not require attending a Republican National Convention. To my conservative friends, going to a gay nightclub isn’t necessary to get a new perspective.
Removing yourself from an area that doesn’t allow open dialogue could be as simple as listening to a classmate or colleague with an objective view. Try your best to remove biases, which are often shaped by prior experiences.
Drop the Stereotypes
As people, we have a choice to unlearn we have been taught and tuck away the negative that was faced in the past. But to do so takes something bigger than us. It takes maturity and a willingness to, again, see things differently in an effort to learn something new.
If a black man decides to wear a black hoodie, is he immediately deemed a criminal? How about a white man with a cowboy hat; does that make him a racist? Some will say yes because it’s encrypted in their thinking and were fed it by some social medium or household
The answer is simpler than you think. Drop it and move on.
Reduce the News
Do you recall walking away from the television thinking, “Boy, we’re so fortunate to live in this great world! I can’t wait to go outside and speak to strangers!”
News networks are the central hub for all things violent and drama. Like a car accident, it’s difficult to turn away because you aren’t quite sure if there is anything you need to see.
Reducing the amount of time you spend watching the news and avoid tuning in first thing in the morning is very effective. You will be amazed at how your outlook changes and perception of people may not be so bad.
Without constantly allowing the news to direct our attention to all that is bad, we can use our own eyes to realize see that everything is not spotless, it’s also not complete anarchy.
Travel Abroad
Travelling abroad to experience anything other than booze and tanning can be a great way to experience foreign cultures. Even better, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for lodging. With an increasing amount of sites offering cheap rates on home/apartment rentals for travelers, you can experience an alternative way to live and get to know locals from a first-hand experience.
While away from your humble abode, make an attempt to venture off the beating path, eat interesting cuisines and enjoy sightseeing with an open mind.
Once you return, don’t rush to post pictures on social media. Rather, take time to appreciate all that we have and the cultural richness that exists around us.
Become an Advocate
Marching, donating or supporting a cause are great ways to raise racial/cultural awareness. There are limitless ways to get involved that puts you one step ahead of all those people shaking their heads without raising a finger.
You can also be vocal when it comes to speaking up against racial injustices and not shy away when anyone you know speaks harshly or untrue about issues you are deeply concerned about.
Collectively, a lot can be accomplished if we actively seek to make subtle changes in our discourse and actions.
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Photo: Getty Images