Message for Peace:
Current world issues have prompted me to write this in the hopes of spreading some peace. I strongly hope you will take the time to read this and share it.

I want everyone to get familiar with the word "ethnocentricity." Ethnocentricity, according to the dictionary, is "the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture." I have begun to feel that the majority of Americans have this perspective, and I firmly believe this is the reason for so much violence and unrest. Everyone wants to be right. Everyone wants to believe their way is the best way, and the only way. How is the world ever going to achieve peace with attitudes like that? There is no "right" culture. There is no country better than another, and no person more valuable than another. Are you a Christian American? That's wonderful. Are you a Polish Jew? Amazing. Are you a Daoist Chinese, or a Buddhist Korean? How about a Shinto from Japan? A Muslim from Saudi Arabia? Maybe you're agnostic, or an atheist, or maybe you practice an indigenous religion of South Africa. All beliefs and perspectives help shape who we are, and all beliefs can be used as a way to learn about other people – without judgement. Respect and understanding are what matter. So many people are quick to judge others. Christians, you should be ashamed of yourselves for the way you treat your fellow Muslim. I understand what ISIS is doing is horrible and that terrorism is not acceptable. However, being hateful is also unacceptable. Think about others. Don't you think it's difficult for the 99% of Muslims who are innocent, kind, respectful people to have to deal with the Islamophobia and hatred towards their entire religion? Don't you think that young, innocent girl wearing a hijab is scared to go outside, for fear that everyone around her hates her because she wears a scarf over her head? Don't you think it's hard for that young, Muslim boy just practicing his religion, but being yelled at to "go back to where he came from," Because he isn't wanted here? Christians, grow up and get some compassion. And, Atheists who make fun of Christians and other religious groups for believing in a higher being, you should be ashamed of yourselves, too. There are a lot of very intelligent people out there who are also very religious, and it isn't your job to belittle anyone who believes in God or a god, and it is not your job to talk disrespectfully about any god of a religion. Being an atheist is okay, being disrespectful is not. Religion is an opportunity to learn about other's ways of life.

In addition to religion, there are many other aspects of culture that are viewed ethnocentrically. Language is another characteristic of culture that should not be judged. Saying that someone must be speaking Chinese because they are talking loud is rude and disrespectful. Saying that someone is speaking "Mexican" is ignorant and unacceptable. For anyone reading this and wondering, "Why?" Mexican is not a language. It's Spanish. I do not speak American, do I? Everyone needs to take just a little more time to learn about others. For example, "Africa" should not be compared with a nation. Africa is a continent with many different cultures and languages and religions throughout the entire continent. 54 countries, to be exact. So, no, your black neighbor does not "speak African," either, and making comments to others like that is very hurtful and inconsiderate.
Language does not have to be a barrier. I recently spent nine days with a family who hardly knew how to speak any English, and not once in those nine days did I feel uncomfortable. I felt no barrier. We used translators when needed, and we had the best time and learned so much about each other. People miss out on amazing opportunities because when they notice someone is different from them in some way, they are afraid. They avoid that person. The person who is different is suddenly labeled "the weird person." That is so wrong, and so hurtful.
All everyone is trying to do is live their life. They are living it the way they know how. Whether it be a Christian praising Jesus in a church on Sundays, or a Hindu abstaining from meat because they believe that pig could be a reincarnation of their ancestor. Both beliefs go back thousands of years. It is not our place to judge, but it is our duty to be respectful.

We aren't so different from each other. Everyone feels happiness and sadness and everyone wants to feel like they matter. Everyone wants to feel love. Most people say that they want peace, but not many people are willing to change their attitudes. A change of attitude is where it starts. I have heard people say that attaining world peace is not possible, and that violence comes in cycles. Anyone who says that world peace is impossible has not taken a look at themselves. World peace does not mean that everyone believes the same way and never disagrees. World peace will be achieved when everyone recognizes the differences that are present and accepts the fact that the differences in opinion are not what separates us…disrespect is. I hope that you will share this message and find it in you to let go of any hatred and fear you might possess, and take a step towards peace.