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You and Me

© Ken R Allen

So you are one of the open and tolerant peoples in this country.

Australia, the land of the fair go, the lucky country. A place where all are equal under the sun. Is this how you see it? Is it a reality for you?

Well then, racial prejudice and intolerance must be someone else's issues and someone else will have to deal with it.

It's amazing that whenever there is an issue it belongs to someone else. It started me to thinking that there must be a person actually named "someone else" and when I find him, he will have a lot to answer for.

Tell me then, when you walk past a person who looks a little different, what do you think? I mean what thoughts pass through your mind? Anything? Anything at all? Fear, loathing, hatred, insecurity? Or love, compassion,empathy, caring, interest? Do you reach out and speak to them? Say hello, how are you doing? Or do you step sideways to avoid them?

In a local suburb, I overheard a person say "spot the white person". There was a blend of Asian, Middle Eastern and European cultures represented in the people walking past.

Aren't we all made of flesh and blood and bone? And despite religions, aren't we all made by the same creator. Once we understand this and embrace it fully in our society we can begin to understand what true love, joy, peace and harmony is.

I challenge you to reach out and greet a person from a different cultural background. Say hello, engage in a conversation. Maybe you will learn something. At the very least you will begin to understand that we are all the same.

Prejudice

What is your favorite color?, Are you wearing black or white?, Can you sense it in your mood?, Do you feel empowered tonight?

It seems to make a difference, In the way you talk to me, When you take the higher tone, I know that I am not free

But are we not both the same, Made of muscle, flesh and bone, Upright in the eyes of God, Standing under the same sun

I am always wearing black, But have no power at all, For that seems to go with white, And I am aboriginal

© K R Allen 2004

Why don't you let me know what you think? Contribute to the discussions, submit some poetry but most of all reach out and touch another person's life by greeting them as your brother or sister for after all that is who they are.

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