In the second act of South Pacific a young American Navy Nurse explaining her race prejudice says "I can't help this, this is emotional, it's born in me" and the second character, the man who is losing her because of this prejudice shouts his protest. "I do not believe this, I do not believe these things are born on you", and a third character a young Marine lieutenant says, "its not born in you, it happens after you're born" and continues with the song "You have to be Taught". Listen to it here.
When we lived in Dubuque my father used to get upset with my mom for taking food out to the transients. Our house was close to the train tracks and we would often wake up to find the travelers sleeping in our back yard. Full disclosure - that story has been related to me by siblings - I was too young to know these facts. But they were repeated to me enough that I would never think twice about helping out someone who was in need of a meal. I have often handed a bag of groceries from my car to people that have approached me in the parking lot of MATC where I work.
In 1965 Father James Groppi returned to Milwaukee. Becoming the advisor to the Milwaukee chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Youth Council, organizing protests against the segregation of Milwaukee public schools. During that summer, Milwaukee had curfews to try and hold back the protests.
My mom would talk with us about these protests, she didn't want us to be fearful of the people we saw yelling on the television. She explained how they did not have the access to housing and schooling that were available to us. She told us to never judge another person. We had no idea what they were going through or what was their history. It was always better to listen and understand than to pass judgement based on what our peers and neighbors may be saying.
I passed her lessons on to my sons. This year I walked alongside people who were asking for change. One sign stood out and I thought, you know, that is exactly how I feel. It read "I can never say I understand what you are going through, yet I stand"
Seeing what is happening in the world today, my mind wanted me to remind all of you that this is more than the needs of one. As Spock would say "The needs of the many out way the needs of the few, or the one".
Aside from the inequality that we are seeing as a result of ignorance, there is also another story to be heard. Think about what this last year has taught us about seclusion. How it feels to sit in the house and watch life go past. We may be angry and a little envious of friends who are still gathering or going on vacations. But this will pass for most of us, the world will return to 'normal (or some form of it). But what about the many mentally and physically challenged members of our world who will continue to deal with this as a normal way of life?
How wonderful did it feel when you were able to see your friends online, even if it was just a virtual visit? You felt less alone. You were sharing smiles, stories and companionship with other people that you cared about. You felt like your life in this world mattered.
My son, Andy is one of those people. I look at him and I see a normal adult who should not have any problem making friends, being a part of the world. I know his anxiety level keeps him from most interaction, but what a difference would it make if someone would say "I understand that I will never understand, yet I'm here to be with you".
We have to come up with solutions to help those that live like this on a daily basis. If it is again, simply just sitting and listening. Not necessarily trying to make it better, but understanding what they are saying and standing with them.
Next month is "Autism Acceptance" month (I refuse to say Awareness, let's face it - we are all aware of Autism). We all feel better because for a short period of time we light blue light bulbs to show our support, then go in the house and continue with our lives, not giving it another thought.
Accepting people with differences is also including them in plans and decisions, welcoming them into the workplace. Inviting them to group activities, making sure your city include them in expansion plans (looking at you, Oak Creek and your lack of subsidized or supported housing).
Let's take a moment. Listen. And make plans to help others before helping ourselves. It's time to be taught to love and share. It's time to step into someone else's shoes and walk. To see how a simple change of inclusion could allow them to take a larger role in the world.
Good night - tomorrow is another day.
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