"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (Declaration of Independence) And I believe it is under these beliefs that forced American society to change its beliefs many times in the last century or so. From the abolishment of slavery of slavery in 1865 to the civil rights movements of the 1950's and 1960's. From the women's rights movement that lasted many decades from late 1800's to mid-late 1900's, to the gay/lesbian rights movement of the present. Let me start off by saying that in no way am I stating that any of these are or were wrong. In fact, I am all for equality BUT is everyone really equal?
When I worked as a courier in the Orlando area, I had the pleasure of discovering all the different types of businesses, and as I waited I also had the opportunity to learn a bit about the company that I was visiting. One of these companies was run by women and had only women working in the company and they were proud to display this message in their lobby. Women have fought long and hard to have the same rights as men, but what if men decided to start a company run by men with only male employees. I doubt that company would last very long. The Equal Opportunity Act prohibits this.
We all know the history of the suffering that Africans have had to endure throughout centuries. Forced into slavery by the many civilizations that found their way into the country. We all know of the many great African Americans that have helped to shape this great country into what it is today. I know all this and I am not trying to say that the past should be forgotten. However, in the end, instead of equality black people have auto-segregated themselves by having a special freedom that white people don't have. First, I would like to bring up BET (BLACK Entertainment Television). Have you ever seen a WET (White Entertainment Television)? Second, February is black history month in the USA. Any guesses for what month is White history month? The black community and activists like Rev. Al Sharpton would have a field day with this one.
Now, the battleground of equality is being fought by the gay/lesbian community. Should they have the same rights as heterosexual people. Of course! We all share the same air and space in this round home we call Earth. Should they have their own channel, month, day, year, mascot, or maybe parade? Let me ask another one, should heterosexuals have any of the above?
But what kind of equality are we fighting for that gives more rights to one gender, one race, one heritage, one religion because it feels it has been wronged. If one group wants to be considered equal to the other than they should abide by the same rules as the other group. Why not focus on creating businesses where women and men work together? Why not create a channel that includes all of humanity and not just one group of people? Why not create a whole year celebrating the achievements of all, instead of a month that celebrates those of a particular group? How about a parade where everyone can walk together and celebrate each other, instead of only those that make up a certain group?
If you ask me..in the search for equality we've only managed to become unequal.
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