Whoever is president next, this should be the standard for how we treat each other
We gotta stop playing the dangerous game of reducing individuals to a single predominant characteristic and then attributing that trait to everyone who shares it
This approach avoids the responsibility of assessing people on an individual basis and instead places blame or praise on a broad group
What's worse is how this oversimplification can become a justification for how we treat others. Whether it's race, political affiliation, sexual orientation, occupation, or the community in which we live, such labels can lead to misguided judgments
White or Black,
Conservative or Liberal,
Trans or Straight,
Religious or Secular,
Small Town or Big City,
White Collar or Blue Collar
— these labels don't define who a person truly is. People can have positive or negative attributes, but to categorize someone as good or bad based on surface-level traits is an unthoughtful and shallow way to pass judgment
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Deep down, we are all human, and we are far more alike than different. It may be tempting to cling to superficial differences, but opting for the easy route rarely leads to better outcomes in the long run
What truly sets us apart are our individual choices and decisions.
When someone makes a mistake or a poor decision, it's vital to judge that person for their actions and character, not the people who may look or act similarly to them
Focus on the personality and actions, not superficial labels
We should strive for empathy, understanding, and fairness
When we recognize and celebrate our shared humanity (in light of our differences) we move beyond stereotypes and create a more compassionate, inclusive, and cooperative society.