I WISH I MAY I WISH I MIGHT
CHANGE A
MINDSET TONIGHT
It is difficult to change a mindset that
is deeply rooted in tradition. It is challenging to change a mental tradition
in the belief that skin color produces superiority. It is hard to change a religious tradition to
prove that there is more to religious freedom that freedom to be a Christian.
It is tough to change a social tradition in which heterosexuals think they are
better than homosexuals.
In Southeast Asia
children are taught to respect age because they know that with age comes
wisdom. “I know a thing or two because I have seen a thing or two,” a quotation
from a TV advertisement. This is not to say that I think I am some kind of a
genius or that that I have some prophetic knowledge of the future. But I can spot a con artist when I see one,
and I can recognize a liar when I hear one. I know that Donald Trump is both a
con artist and a liar.
I
also know that Donald Trump and his followers are capable of destroying America ’s democratic
process of government. I know that Donald Trump’s heroes are authoritative
rulers because I have heard from his own lips that he admires and desires to be
one. I know that Donald Trump becomes
angry when his opinions and actions are questioned, and I know that these are
not the traits of a good leader.
Donald Trump controls about one third of
Americans and that is a solid base that
probably will not change. Regardless of
what happens to Trump, the world will exist, and historians will continue to
write. History will not be kind to Trump; neither will it be kind to Mitch
McConnell, Paul Ryan, and all of the Donald Trump enablers.
It disturbs me when I know that some of my
friends and relatives are making a big mistake. And when that mistake is so big
that it could destroy a complete democratic government, I should become outspoken
and greatly concerned.
However, in attempting to change mindsets I
have learned some valuable lessons. I have learned that the use of anger has
absolutely no affect in changing an attitude or an opinion. I have learned that
condemnation of a conviction will never change a way of thinking. To condemn a
person for his or her beliefs merely secures the mental attitude within that
individual. The attempt to try and shame a person for a certain belief is a
worthless attempt in changing any philosophy. I have also learned that using
intellectual superiority accomplishes nothing. To belittle a person by telling
them they are dumb or stupid or uneducated, only strengthens the psyche of a mindset.
Yet,
on the other hand, I have learned that supporters of a certain belief or who
support a certain political individual will ignore facts in order to continue
support. The political division that separates American families is now so
great that it may never be unified.
The tragedy
that surrounds all this is the children. It is a terrible mistake to teach a
child to be prejudice. Prejudice places
a burden that will affect a child for an entire life. It will affect happiness and prevent children
from reaching their full potential. The best thing any parent can do for a
child is to teach acceptance and tolerance. Accept diversity and be a part of
the global society and happiness and success will follow the child throughout
all the days of his life.
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