Life is not that complex… We make it far harder than it needs to be. There is a simple notion that every person needs a friend. If someone truly “gets” us, knows us, believes in us – then we are a long way on our journey to happiness. That is very hard if you are being bullied, or if you don’t know where discrimination will come from.
In the last week I have been moved to tears twice by two different Youtube videos. One from sporting legend Adam Goodes speaking of the impact of racial taunts and verbal abuse. He remembered painfully what it was like at school – and even now as one of Australia’s greatest sports heroes, still experiencing racial abuse. He has spoken out and said “Enough!” He has made a stand for what is right! He says society has come a long way, but there is still much more to be done.
It is time to celebrate differences. Life would be very boring if we were all the same. That is why I was also touched by the simple message from Social Inc. We can do something to make sure anybody and everybody is included.
So I have a request for educators: let’s start with our youth. These two videos are great resources that can be shared anywhere in the world, in any classroom or auditorium. Stamp out discrimination. Celebrate differences. Give everybody a fair go.
As my Mum said (and Adam Goodes’ mum said the same), treat people how you want to be treated. It is that simple. This article first appeared as part of my LinkedIn Influencer posts