not Race, Creed, Gender, or Culture
EQUALITY
Equality – not Race, Creed, Gender, or Culture
What is Equality? According to the dictionary it is defined as “the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.”
“… it is an organization aiming to promote equality… what we have in common.”
This is a perfect description of an amazing person and character… Martin Luther King Jr. (et al)
Giant word “Equality” – Requires Giants to Exemplify
Very early in my life it was made clear to me by my Anglo-Germanic parents that we all share, as human the most important things in this universe; emotions, intent, intelligence, faults, and wonderment. That where we come from, who our parents were, what our philosophy is, how we want to live should not matter – this premise assumes no ill will or malintent on the part of the individual – that these things about each other ought to be appreciated, respected and admired.
My Parents believed that as long as we focus on the differences we have, we cannot possibly grow as a civilization, a culture, a community, a citizen, or a person. So did Martin Luther King Jr. He evangelized the commonality of ALL humans, while celebrating the unique character of each community, culture, and people.
His mission for Equality among all people is very well documented, get a quick view of his life on Wikipedia:
Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr.; January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an African American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the American civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. King advanced civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi. He was the son of early civil rights activist Martin Luther King Sr.
On October 14, 1964, King won the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. In 1965, he helped organize two of the three Selma to Montgomery marches. In his final years, he expanded his focus to include opposition towards poverty, capitalism, and the Vietnam War.
Without Commonality, Equality cannot Exist
In more contemporary times, this undefined/unlimited sense of Commonality is expressed by people in other ways. Joe Rogan does it through having conversations with anybody about anything. His diversity of subject on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, is EXTRAordinary, even amazing.
In his simple format of asking pointed questions and staying profoundly objective has provided an amazingly effective platform for Equality; every person has the same opportunity to share their ideas without censure or editing. It is brilliant. Every one of his guests is treated the same way, with endless curiosity and respect.
Isn’t that what we would want for everything we do and everyone we encounter?
Consideration, the core of Equality
Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta) was unquestionably a profound influence on many, many people.
While living in a country with at least a dozen varieties of religion and at least 121 different languages, and practicing a life that only 2-3 percent of the population agreed with, she created a movement of understanding, respect and acceptance that spread world wide from her Indian home.
Consideration being the core of her philosophy and practice, she was able to transcend the typical barriers that different religions and genders impose upon each other to create atmospheres of opportunity and growth (for anyone).
Finding Accord is what makes Equality possible
There are some legends in the quest for Equality. Many different approaches, many different focuses, many different practices. Warren Buffet is one of these legends.
A child of the Great Depression, he became fascinated with business and investing in his youth, which set him on a path that forever changed business in America. Sounds like an exaggeration, but is absolutely fact. He developed systems of analysis that allowed him to accrue great wealth and become a world renown philanthropist.
In many interviews he has cited his demand for balance (harmony) between all his business components and consistent frugality in his investments. He tries to find some level of Accord in all he does; investments, business practices, and philanthropy.
People who are dedicated to creating equal opportunity for all are the Giants we need to develop Happy AND Successful societies, communities and people. They do NOT need to be famous or wealthy or genius; they just need to be able to see what we have in common, and use that Commonality like seeds; they just need to be able to be considerate, and use that Consideration like water to plants; they just need to be able to create Accord, so that all the different kinds of seeds can grow together in a beneficial way.
The Surprise of finding out new things about amazing people creates motivation, interest, and Inspiration. It is a great Honor to learn from people like those mentioned in this article. Actually, Giants are everywhere, in every community, they are just not usually world famous.
I am addicted to finding these Giants within us, learning about them and from them when possible. Are you?
Share your thoughts on Equality and what it means to you.
Also, we all have these elements of Equality in us, how do you (metaphorically) plant seeds, water them and manage their coexistence.