it upsets me to realize that not everyone believes in the equality that exists between humans. it upsets me that people do not see the value and worth of an African as equal to the value and worth of an American.

i understand the nationalism. in fact, i am almost envious of it being from Canada where nationalism, arguably, is not as significant in society as in other countries. i, however, believe that above our differing religions, cultures, races, genders, sexualities etc. we are all humans first. regardless of these differences, we are all classified as human. is it so hard to, first and foremost, belong to this group first? i'll admit, there are instances where i do not think about how my actions or words will affect a human, not only in close vicinity to me, but a human halfway around the world. i am aware of this. and i am trying to look past the negative effect of consumerism, personal practicality etc. that blind me and that keep me from helping my brothers and sisters.

i think we all have to become aware of our fallacies and aware of our own inadequacies when it comes to caring for our fellow human. by ignoring this, or by claiming that equality is a misplaced ideal, or by just being plain ignorant, we indirectly (or, in some cases, directly) become a facet of people's suffering.