This I Believe

This I Believe

I believe in equality. Not just the word that we all too often overuse, but true equality. According to the constitution all men are equal. Then why aren’t we treated as such? We’re all born the same, we all age the same and we all die the same. Why should the color of your skin affect what path your life takes? Why is not your brain and skills that take you to where you want to go? These thoughts make me wonder about the well-being of this country. These are things I do not believe in.

Being a black male, I haven’t even begun to experience the hardships out there. My dad always tells me that I’ll need to be 1,000 times better than everyone else at anything I do, and to always keep my nose clean because there will be people who are waiting to see me fail. When I was younger, I never understood exactly why I would have to work harder than others, but now the reason is crystal clear. It’s because of my skin color. I’ve grown to accept that fact and don’t think of it as a burden at all. In fact, I’d much rather have it this way. I’d rather be pushed to my limits than never know what I was capable of. But if I fail, so be it. At least I know I tried. Although to be honest, I don’t plan on failing. When I want to quit, I think about something bigger than just me. I think about my family and how I worked to get me to the place where I currently am, and how I don’t want to let that be in vein, and then I think about the future. I think about how if I do something important in my lifetime. I can benefit a whole generation like others before me have. So for me, giving up is way harder than trying.

I believe that everyone should get a fair shot at life. Be you black, white, brown, orange, yellow, gold, silver, or blue. I believe that instead of looking down on one another, we should lend a helping hand to each other. I believe that America has come a long way, but still has a long way to go. But you know what? I believe we can do it. I believe that if we all stand together, we can make our beliefs become realities. And after all, if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for everything. I’m a man of many beliefs, but I believe most in something that can bring anyone together. Something unlimited and can’t even be comprehended by men. I believe our answer is love. This I believe.