I would like to preface this article by saying that I have never been scared of anything more than the possibility of getting a ticket when I have gotten pulled over. I don't worry about my parents' safety when they go to work every day. I have never been judged because of the color of my skin. I have never had to face the difficulties that families of fallen police officers and citizens do. I don't have an answer that will fix the violence that has been going on in America. I do, however, know something that every single person can do that will make a change, even if it is just a slight one: respect everyone.

Respect can simply be defined as "showing regard or consideration for." On a small scale, I try to show respect for people by opening doors, by addressing my elders by "yes ma'am/no ma'am, yes sir/no sir," and by sending thank-you notes when I receive gifts. With the violence that has been plaguing this country, especially in the last week, I have shown respect by understanding that ALL people and victims, no matter if they are in uniform or not, are just that: people. They are husbands, wives, and children; they have hobbies, a favorite ice cream flavor, and futures they were planning and looking forward to. Are there sick, corrupt police officers out there? Yes. But labeling all police officers as such is unfair. Are there African Americans who commit crimes? Yes. But people of literally every race in existence do, too. Labeling one race as "bad" doesn't do any good, either.

Keep in mind when you're bashing anyone on social media or in public that they are people, too. And remember that your children or children around you pay more attention than you think. They don't know hatred and prejudice; it is learned. Showing everyone respect is not going to be the magic solution that immediately fixes this country, but it's a good place to start.