Equality: Humanity against humanity

It was on August 28, 2008 in Denver, Colorado when democratic nominee Barack Obama delivered a speech that indicated defeat for an exhausted intolerance; not speaking in terms of politics, rather in terms of equality. This speech had a certain significance, its rhetoric woven beautifully and its context profound. The voice of Obama, unmistakable, sounded with promise. “But what the people heard instead – people of every creed and color, from every walk of life – is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked. That together, our dreams can be one.” As the sensation of chills set in, I realized that together, an intolerance and ignorance oppressing African Americans had been relieved. Together, we forgot a social injustice and this generation discovered acceptance.

However, we remain with much to overcome. We are faced with a rising tension, a cold hatred filed against homosexuals. Another minority with rights and privileges left absent, and a majority left scorning in opposition to their lifestyle. The majority holds in its hands the power to mandate human equality, but remains reluctant under the influence of ignorance and privilege.

Several close friends of mine are gay; they embody tremendous character; intelligence, courage, empathy, humor, determination, and potent ethics. Quite simply, they are human beings with aspirations and dreams. One wants to work in the medical field; he wants to save the lives of others. He wants to one day have a family; he wants to possess happiness. The thought that he is not guaranteed equality, that he is not guaranteed happiness, and that he is not seen as socially acceptable; saddens me.

No longer can this nation be held blind to intolerance. No longer can this nation bring forth division. No longer can this nation be the arbitrator of who is righteous and who is not. It is now; now is the time that this nation adhere to the freedom and justice all are deserving of. These conflicts maintain my passion to seek social justice for all people, and power my interest in politics and influencing change through government. For I reiterate that the practice of intolerance is to only command the lives of those we do not know.

I have learned from my friend not only the difficulty of finding yourself, but also the fear that exists with re-entering society as your true-self. There is no basis for reasoning that someone's sexuality changes their character, therefore; we must ensure social justice in this country, for it is an obligation we have to each other. The courage to protect the rights of others, the character of your friends, and the structure of your own morality are values I stand to closely. I endeavor to maintain these values and further advocate for equality as I seek my future profession. I believe that Americans of every race, religion, sexuality, and past time share one dream; a dream of prosperity, equality and freedom. In my heart, the sanctity of equality sounds with everlasting strength.

The two floods cascade into one. A red stain of life taints the sum. For the inequalities of one are the inequalities of all, human against human for human.

-Ryan