My name is McKinzie. I am a 20 year old, blonde, white female, living in the southern United States. Just by that first sentence, I can assume you believe I don't understand what you are going through. Although, I sincerely hope that is not the case. Being from Oklahoma, especially the town I grew up in, I was exposed to quite a bit of Native American culture, and even though it isn't my heritage, I absolutely loved it. Ever since I can remember, I have been obsessed with practices and aspects of other cultures than my own. They are all so different, yet equally beautiful.

Because I am white, I have never been racially profiled because of the color of my skin, aside from the occasional "all white people" comment. I know what thoughts run through my head when I hear that come from someones mouth, and I know how it makes me feel. Now, just because that comment makes me feel a certain way, that doesn't mean I can empathize with someone who has been called things far worse than I have. I can't empathize because it hasn't happened to me. I have never had someone look at me in fear due to the color of my skin. I have never had someone walk the other direction when they see me coming because I was wearing something that represented my race or religion. I have never truly been discriminated against, and I am extremely grateful for that.

Just because I haven't gone through things some of you may have had to go through, doesn't mean I don't care. Racism is an awful, 100% real issue and it is done by all races. Seeing acts of racism just makes my heart break, and I wish there was something more I could do. I wish I could make some people understand just how hurtful simple words can be. I wish I could make others see that just because it's not important to you, doesn't mean it's not important to someone else. For example, one may not understand why the Dakota Access pipeline is such a big deal to those who are apposing it, but that does not mean it is not important.

Before one speaks negatively about anything or anyone, they need to educate themselves on the subject or situation. And when I say educate themselves, people need to realize that the media is not always a reliable resource. I cannot stress that enough.

In our society today, I feel we should be farther along in the fight against racism. I feel that as humans, we are lacking in the compassion department. We have fallen short when it comes to understanding. The anger and hate that is shown to those who are different than we are is unacceptable. And I know, me writing an article on a website probably won't change anything, but all I can hope is I could change at least one persons opinions. My hope is that they will read this and realize we are made up of the same things. I hope they think before they speak and choose to spread love instead of animosity. During this time of anger and frustration, it is essential that we come together as one.

Love your neighbor as you love yourself. It's the least you can do.