Today we celebrate the inauguration of the President and the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. It's against this backdrop that I woke up this morning, looked around and realized how far we have come and how far we have yet to go.
Little known fact, my brother is only my half brother. We have different fathers. I grew up never knowing this, never thinking about it, never asking questions--he was just my brother. You know, the big brother, one who tortured you, tied you up, hid things from you, got you in trouble; protected you, watched over you--loved you. He was my best friend, make-believe buddy, race partner, you name it, he was just well, my brother.
I never saw him as anything other than what he was to me. But, the truth is others did. They saw the differences between us and talked behind our backs, whispered in the halls, probably thought I was crazy for not acknowledging what should have been plain for me to see.
Meet my brother! Yup, you see it, but I don't. We clearly have different fathers, mine white, his black. See, I believe in dreams. I believe in the dream that one day no one will be judged by the color of their skin. I believe the content of our character is far more telling. I believe that we can and should achieve based on merit. My brother and I experienced such different lives even though we were raised in the same household. No one told me I couldn't get there. No one whispered about me, talked behind my back or called me racially-spurred names (well not to my face).
So, today has significance for me. It is a reminder of how far we have come, yet how far we still have to go. I have heard people say that we live in a colorblind world now, with having our first black President and all. Yes, its a great accomplishment, but its far from perfect. We still hear and experience racial inequality. From blacks, to Mexican-Americans, Muslims, etc... It is inherent in our country, we are the melting pot, yet we still look for each individual color in the box of crayons. Every form we fill out asks for our ethnicity. People don't get interviews because their name looks "black." Resentment and fear is still in the souls of older people.
However, I still believe in the dream. I believe that each day we can fight stereotypes, end prejudice and racism. Its begins with each of us. Its as easy and not perpetuating stereotypes. Don't use the word "gay" to describe something bad, or indulge people when they say certain groups are lazy or don't work as hard. Stand up when someone says something that makes you uncomfortable. Do not accept it as the norm. Be the change you want to see in the world. Have a dream, believe in the dream. Chose not to see the colors of the world as a bad thing. See people as I see my brother, as just that... my brother.
Yeah, yeah I know chase dream running from fear, stress, etc... people you love.... I've read, Ive interpreted... I've acknowledged my dreams me things, but a wish my heart makes? Come on Cinderella! Those little birdies lied to you.
