A Message of Peace | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A Message of Peace

My report on the weekend before MLK day.

35
A Message of Peace

Last weekend on January 16, 2021, I volunteered at a mask-making event for the homeless. I didn't anticipate what my job would be. No experience with knitting was required, but those who were familiar with sewing and knitting contributed to formatting the masks together. The ones who were inexperienced, like me, were either tracing or cutting. My job was tracing the patterns that would turn into masks. While tracing, I observed interesting fabric patterns to prevent the job from becoming tedious. I was interviewed twice during my time because the event sponsored the belief in giving love and support to our community. The most valuable lesson to be learned is how to delicately handle large issues in identity.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I know that I needed to learn about the issue of American racism. I decided to watch "I Am Not Your Negro" on Netflix. I know that it is a film on Amazon, but both streaming services shared the film for an unknown reason. Regardless, watching this film reminded me how little progress we made despite changes done to make things better. African Americans such as James Baldwin do not feel as if they are being taken seriously in America. They are punished and tormented by racism that feels external but is implicit. Many African Americans have gone on to achieve better opportunities. Yet, the rest suffer and die at the hands of violent interactions with powerful authorities with no consequences. It has occurred for years and even in the summer of 2020. There are even ones who feel as if they internalize racist stereotypes because of their hopelessness to achieve anything.

What exactly can be done to help others? What can a good law-abiding citizen do to achieve human decency when great powers reveal their corruption with little to no change? My mother tells me to move on with my life because it doesn't involve me. She's generous enough to make me care about my own individuality. The same can't be said to those impacted by the degression many leaders such as Dr. King, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin wished to defeat. Sparks of violence have led to more violence caused by extremists. It's a vicious cycle that continues on with the degression. If it is possible for an event to help others in terrible times, please do whatever you can to participate that does not include violence and/or assault.

As we have seen from how BLM extremists turned to violence and how extreme Trump supporters invaded the Capitol, committing violence does not help support the message of giving back to the community. By giving back means you must commit an act of kindness. Go and find a nice charitable event where you can make and support those who are in need the most. For anyone at mask making events, find a lovely pattern that speaks to you so you may give it to others.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196322
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18507
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460596
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28160
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments