I Believe

I believe in the inherent dignity of all human beings and the access of each one to equality in opportunity, social institutions and recourse to justice. I reiterate this inherent believe in equality inspired by the dedication of the memorial to Martin Luther King Jr., whose life provides inspiration for all like me who believe in equality for one and all. I believe that what makes this monument even more imperative to the notion of equality and respect for others is the fact that it has been executed by a Chinese, thus making the integration of peoples even more explicit in the depiction of a person whose driving ideal in life was to ensure dignity and equal status to all people. I believe that when human beings show due respect for the differences in character, speech, cultures and traditions of all who makeup this world can they truly call themselves an integral part of the global world village, of which I am a participating citizen.

I believe that in order to ensure the dignity of all human beings one must first accept the limitations of one’s own self, for it is through true self reflection that one can come to the realization of one’s shortcomings. This realization of my own shortcomings, I believe, will allow me to see others with greater sensitivity, which will in turn impel me to behave in a manner that shows respect for all human beings.

I believe that self realization and introspection will also allow me to engage better with my own identity and provide an opportunity for me to understand my own culture better, because it is only through confidence in one’s own beliefs that one can negotiate the difficult terrain of understanding others.

I believe that the way to dignify one’s own self comes about by accepting others’ and their limitations just as one does for one’s own personal self. It is only by giving that one receives and by the act of giving respect to another one may get it, for it is certainly true that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I believe that just as hatred engenders hate, love and dignity are reciprocated equally and by respecting others, one may gain respect which builds self esteem, which leads to respect for one’s own self.

I believe that the life of Martin Luther King Jr. too illustrates this point, for in his striving for accessing dignity and equal rights for his black brethren, he chose the path of decency. I believe it was his stress upon peaceful resolution of a stormy issue that brought about the liberation of the Blacks from the chains of oppression that had bound them for centuries.

I believe it was his dignified approach to the problem that led to the resolution of a matter that had earlier split the nation into two during the bloody Civil War, yet failed to accrue anything tangible. I believe that by refusing to show disrespect towards people who had historically subjugated and repressed the Blacks that he was able to show them the mistakes of their past actions, while at the same time gave them the opportunity to engage in dialogue that would restore the dignity of one group without belittling the other.

I believe it was this stress upon the dignity of all human beings that lead the whites to see the injustices that they had traditionally heaped on these people and resolve to undo the misdeeds of the past. I also believe that it is only through the process of self-realization and the acknowledgement of the mistakes done by one’s self, which leads people to demonstrate a changed positive attitude.

I believe that the lives of great men can help us make our own lives better, because, they through their unique approach to life show one the way to a life that is fulfilling and enriching. I believe that when human beings lead exemplary lives, they imbue the whole atmosphere with a positive energy that in turn touches the lives of those around them. I believe that by having self-esteem, one can transfer the goodness of one’s character to those around them, as seen through the life of Martin Luther King Jr., and create a better world.