Tolerance
Yesterday I read that a Muslim woman was arrested because she refused to remove her hijab ( head scarf) in court. This event did not happen in some remote corner of the world - it occurred here in Metropolitan Atlanta, not 30 miles from the place that I call home. Apparently head coverings are not allowed in the courts here. Despite telling the bailiff that she covers her hair for religious reasons, she was arrested after saying "This is BS" when attempting to leave. The judge sentenced her to 10 days in jail for contempt of court. Although she was soon released this incident illustrates that people are not always tolerant of "others."
A native New Yorker, I grew up surrounded by people of different religions, races, and nationalities. I was lucky to live in a small town where I was accepted by all. Obviously my experience was not the norm. Raising a child in the South I will have more challenges. As a parent I am responsible for teaching my son to appreciate the differences; providing him with the knowledge that we can learn from each other regardless of our race, creed, religion or sexual orientation. Even when our "differences" are not appreciated by others.
Parenting ain't easy. This powerful video should be a must see for all parents.
A native New Yorker, I grew up surrounded by people of different religions, races, and nationalities. I was lucky to live in a small town where I was accepted by all. Obviously my experience was not the norm. Raising a child in the South I will have more challenges. As a parent I am responsible for teaching my son to appreciate the differences; providing him with the knowledge that we can learn from each other regardless of our race, creed, religion or sexual orientation. Even when our "differences" are not appreciated by others.
Parenting ain't easy. This powerful video should be a must see for all parents.
Comments
On a somewhat related note, one of Diego's closest friends in school is a chocolate cutie named Mia. Now every time he sees a black girl he says "Mommy look it's Mia!" "Hi Mia!" No matter how old they are, if they're black, they're Mia. One day I'll stop chuckling long enough to correct him.
On another note though, I think that woman probably escalated the situation by swearing at the security officers. Not defending them, of course...but it's another good lesson for us all.....cussing someone out ISN'T the best way to deal with things!!
You know, it's really quite simple. It's not even about agreeing with or mingling with, it's as simple as acceptance. And really, how can you NOT accept since differences are what makes the world?
It's beyond me why anyone would WANT everyone to think, look and act alike. What a boring pot of stew that would be.
It IS our responsibility. Not just to our children but in helping them create a better world.
BTW--what happened to Beyonce?? :)
A woman who covers her face for religious reasons was issued a drivers license with a picture with her face covered. She took it to court and won. Driving is not a right, it is a privilege so I don't understand the ruling. How can the police identify who is really driving the car?
and then yesterday on twitter they were talking about the kid whose parents named him Adolph Hitler and his sister is something Aryan something... for crying out loud!
not only is it convicting, but it also makes me VERY frustrated with ignorant people.
First, I dont know how i feel. I feel that the law and religion should be separate, therefore, I dont know how i feel about making exceptions in a court room for any religious sake. I understand the reasoning behind it. Our world now is full of people who go into places like court rooms and kill judges and innocent people. Surely a scarf on a head could be construed as a security risk, much like a hat or a pair of dark sunglasses. So I know where they are coming from. Her not removing it would be considered contempt. Par of my belief comes because i spent 5 years in college studying law, so I tend to take the laws side.
But at the other side, our constitution allows for freedom of religion and speech, thereofre by taking away her head covering, your violating that.
Its really tough for me because I get both sides. I do think BOTH sides have to give a little. I dont think you can be so stuck in a form of religion that you refuse to follow a law in a courthouse for a few moments, but i also dont believe the law should be so tight that we throw people in jail over it.
Somehow our country has got to learn to accept and compromise or we will continue fighting and ruining what great things we have overcome already in life.
We cant fight for religion freedoms and then tear people down with laws and we cant fight for laws and then hide behind religion.
Its the million dollar question, isnt it.
Trisha
momdot.com
great video with a very relevant message, and perhaps the youth will be the bringers of a new way.
I don't understand why we have gone too far!
Great post.