Life is based on a multitude of opinions; religious beliefs, fashion senses, human preferences, the list goes on... We are constantly choosing and changing our opinions. Hostility? Hatred? Discrimination? These are all reactions towards opinions. Why are people so quick to shut down change and diversity? Why do people question differences and stick to the status quo when an array of colors exist beyond the bubble of society's expectations.

It's an interesting thought, but having faced adversity towards my own opinions has brought me to really think about the fact that people fear what they don't know. Opinions stem from experiences, from every single person's individual, beautiful upbringing. To truly understand the place of another, you'd need to walk in a lifetime of their footsteps and that is why it is completely impossible to know why and where someone stands at any given moment. This, however, never means it is ok to shut someone down due to their personal beliefs and opinions. Rather, take the time to ask where and why they stand at their specific location. This brings me to the importance of education-- if people fear what they don't know, why not ask?

Education is the key. The key to ending hostility, hatred and discrimination. Education of diversity; if people would take out of their time to learn why, what, how, when, about someone or something they're afraid of, they may end up seeing eye to eye with that individual. However, with this education needs to come the understanding of the importance of individuality and unique-mindedness. Celebrate the journey every man or woman has taken to growing into these valued opinions they hold, be selective on what you understand, take everything with a grain of salt, because no matter how open your arms are to embracing another's opinion, your journey has been just as beautiful and deserves just as much attention as theirs. I will be the first one to say, "Embrace your beliefs, stand up for what you love and reach out, always." But first, you must be educated.

The world is a melting pot of ideas and opinions. As society is advancing constantly and people are adapting due to social pressures, it has become increasingly important to stay true to yourself and truly learn about the world around you. Learn about your neighbors, teach your neighbors about yourself, take initiative. You never know what impact you can make just by helping someone else understand.