Remember this?
Cool, huh? Well, while attending Voodoo Fest in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago I spotted this guy:
I didn’t see anyone else hugging him yet so of course I had to:
David snapped this picture with his iPhone from quite a distance so this was the best editing I could do. That’s me in the white skirt and black top. After our hug I sat back down with David and watched lots of other people take this young man up on his offer for free hugs.
Sitting on the grass at this big music festival, listening to music and watching thousands of young people (we were a lot older than the vast majority) simply having a good time gave me hope for the future. It was a diverse group representing all races, ethnicities and sexual orientations. All were brought together by their love of music and I cannot begin to describe the utter joy of watching hundreds of young people dancing together with complete abandon. It didn’t matter whether the person next to them was black or white, gay or straight, Democrat or Republican.
Lately we’ve been hearing a lot of people screaming for “freedom” but I suspect we don’t all agree on the definition of the word. Is it truly freedom if it doesn’t apply equally to all? And how free can someone be if they don’t know where their next meal is coming from or they don’t have access to health care? What about those who aren’t free to marry the person of their choice or serve openly in the military? In order to be truly free as a society we must be willing to move past fear, bigotry, racism and selfishness. Until all are free…in the truest sense of the word…no one is free.
A friend recently used the word “fearless” to describe the way David, our kids and I all express our views online. He meant it as a compliment. I thought it was an interesting choice of words and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Am I fearless? No way! I’m well aware of the fact that some of what I put out there in Cyber-land is not going to be met with universal approval. In fact, we’ve been the recipients of some downright hateful comments, even by people who ought to know where our hearts are and that really hurts. On the other hand, our willingness to stand up for our beliefs and for the rights of marginalized groups has also earned us the respect of many. When you are white, Protestant, middle-class and heterosexual it is tempting to simply sit back and enjoy your privileged status. Many do. But for some reason we feel compelled to speak out against discrimination and hate. It’s not an easy road to travel but we’ve gone too far to turn back now.
I’ve witnessed so much hate in the past couple of years that sometimes I get really discouraged. All one has to do is read the comments left on some blog posts or politically-based articles to be left wondering what has happened to our nation. Too many now feel totally justified to express their hateful, bigoted opinions in the name of patriotism and religion. It’s enough to make me want to throw up sometimes.
But occasionally you meet someone who restores a bit of your faith in humanity. Last week as David and I flew to California we had the pleasure of meeting one of those folks. A young man sat down on the aisle seat next to David and the two immediately hit it off. Alex is a dentist serving in the military. He was among those sent to Haiti immediately after the earthquake and served there for three weeks. He said it changed his life completely. His attitudes about money, faith and politics were all changed. In some ways, his experience is similar to what happened to David and me following Katrina. As I listened to Alex speak of what he saw in Haiti and his thoughts on life, I was so impressed. And I know there are many, many more intelligent, wise, empathetic young people out there just waiting for their chance to change the world. I hope I get to meet more of them.
So what can we as individuals do to combat hate? There is only one answer. Love. This was what Jesus tried to teach us. Love one another. It’s utterly simple and incredibly difficult. I’m making it my life’s work. Will you?
This post was written for the “Love Beats Hate” blog event:
“Love Beats Hate” is a blogging event designed to shine a spotlight on the power of love and the importance of speaking out on behalf of marginalized populations.
My daughter’s “Love Beats Hate” post
If you’d like to add your own “Love Beats Hate” post, click here.
Yep — Love is it!
And you sound like a real fun person, getting that hug!
I stay out of political arguments on blogs!
Happy Love day!
xo
Great post for Love Beats Hate day!
Some of my happiest times have been at music festivals because I have found the same to be true. Everyone is kind & dancing & lovin' their festival neighbors. I always leave wondering why the world can't just be like that.
Thanks!
Love it Deanna! I wrote about love on my blog today, in a round about way of course. But really, in the end, it is all that matters. And I want you to know I appreciate you. I appreciate your willingness to thwart the status quo, to speak your truth regardless of what others may say. You have often made me think about and re-think some of my own views, so for that I thank you : )
"In order to be truly free as a society we must be willing to move past fear, bigotry, racism and selfishness. Until all are free…in the truest sense of the word…no one is free."
Absolutely agree! Great post, Dee 🙂
Every time I post something online, I check with myself first to make sure I haven't exposed a vulnerability that I won't feel comfortable to defend if I happen to be attacked. Following that little system for myself, it has gotten a lot easier to just let the negative comments flow off my back. I used to feel like I had to reply, but then I realised I was just getting caught up in useless anger and not everyone is going to agree with me, or like me. It's a liberating realisation! These days, I just leave nice messages where I want to, I don't expect anything in return and if I do happen to get a comment or message that I don't like, I just delete it. I love LOVE BEATS HATE day! It would be wonderful if more people were able to put aside pettiness and just enjoy the wonderful diversity that this world offers 😉
Deanna,
I have only just met you but I have known your amazing daughter, Lisa, (online) for awhile now. I now have a better understanding now of where Lisa gets her courage to speak up for what she believes. Clearly you have had a positive influence on your strong and smart daughter.
When I read this part of your post…
"When you are white, Protestant, middle-class and heterosexual it is tempting to simply sit back and enjoy your privileged status. Many do. But for some reason we feel compelled to speak out against discrimination and hate. It's not an easy road to travel but we've gone too far to turn back now".
… it really spoke to me. It is easy for some people to sit back and witness intolerance and hatred… (doing nothing about it). However, that doesn't make it the right choice.
Love must beat hate…
Thank you so much for blogging for Love Beats Hate. The enthusiasm and passion expressed by so many people with this event warms my heart. Thank you for adding your voice to this event.
As Jasmine pointed out, this part is awesome:
"In order to be truly free as a society we must be willing to move past fear, bigotry, racism and selfishness. Until all are free…in the truest sense of the word…no one is free."
Absolutely!
Thank you, Deanna, for a great post!
Jeanne
P.S. You're right. Music really can break down barriers. 🙂
BEAUTIFUL post!!!
I agree with you & don't always click on that publish button without fear, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. If nothing else, fear makes us think.
But fear should never stop us from doing what we know is right, especially when that is spreading love.
Keep it up! It inspires others 🙂
with love…
Donna: It means a lot to hear that since I know our political views are quite different. Thank you. And thanks to everyone who has commented. I never know what sort of reaction I'll get when I just "put it out there" like this.
Now I'm thinking of getting a free hugs sign!!!
It just takes each one of us doing what is right to make the world a place where suffering disappears. Hoping for a better tomorrow!!