It's Actually Cool To Be Nice | The Odyssey Online
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Politics and Activism

It's Actually Cool To Be Nice

I am on my hands and knees begging you to act with kindness.

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It's Actually Cool To Be Nice
Katie Treadway

Generosity. Kindness. Compassion.

What do these words have in common? In my opinion, they all represent simple characteristics that every human being should display. Now, why am I bringing this up? Well, today's society seems to be going just a little off track in regards to their interactions with each other. There's so much judgment that is going on in today's world, and I am here to tell you that I am absolutely, one-hundred percent OVER IT!!

This is my petition that everyone would please start to be nice.

I'm almost like that corny hopeless romantic who holds out for her prince charming to come riding in on a magnificent horse to save me from the fire-breathing dragon.... I guess I am that girl, but not for a man (because um, yeah). I feel that way about the world. I am (hopelessly) optimistic that this world can change for the better.

You see, I have this strong belief that everyone is fully capable of producing goodness towards others regardless of one's disability, race, ethnicity, gender, appearance, religion, etc.. I really don't believe that being polite to people is such a difficult task that some cannot do it.

It goes like this.

Don't look at a person through a specific lens. Don't make rash judgments about a person based off what you see on the outside. Don't believe everything you read in the media about certain groups of people.

To put it simply, just be nice.

That girl you assumed to be a terrorist just because you saw her walking around wrapped in her black hijab may just be hands-down the nicest person you could have ever met.

The boy you have heard from a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend is gay might be considering suicide because of those rumors.

That innocent autistic child that just overheard you call your friend a "retard" for doing something incredibly stupid is going to go home and ball his eyes out because you made him feel less than human.

I am by no means perfect. I make mistakes, and I judge other people. However, I want to stop. I try my very best every single day to put aside my rash judgments and consider other people. I am now on my knees begging you to do the same.

Pass this message along. Get it out there so that other people can see the effects that words and hatred can cause.

Lead by example. Befriend someone who is not your "typical" go-to person. Go sit with that girl who's sitting alone at lunch and get to know her.

Let people know they aren't alone. Let people know that not everyone in this world is harsh and cruel.

Give generously. Act with kindness. Have compassion.

Just please, be nice.

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