It’s funny how people have the need to feel part of something. It’s a human need to belong. When I found out I was adopted, thankfully, I was already part of a loving family and felt like I belonged to that. I know that not everyone’s experiences of it would be the same as mine.
In society, there is a need for people to belong. They say what people want to hear so that they are accepted by others. In a way, I felt like that growing up. Although I was part of a loving family, I still had expectations to fulfill. For example, my family held strong religious beliefs. I was expected to follow in their footsteps. For most people, that would send you one way or another. Either brainwashing you into conformity or causing you to rebel against what you are being forced into. For me, my family probably saw me as a rebel. You see, I do uphold a lot of the same beliefs, but not necessarily feeling the need to be evangelical about expressing my feelings. I was a private person regarding my views and beliefs, until recently, when certain topics in the media have been brought to my attention and sickened me to the stomach.
There are certain topics which invite strong views and opinions that people have contested for years. The ones that stick out to me at the moment are racism and homophobia. I believe that changes need to be made in society in order to develop a greater tolerance and understanding of these areas. As a teacher, I feel the importance of justice and equality is paramount. If schools embrace a more inclusive and transparent approach to discussing these topics, which in my opinion is essential, then what about when these children go home to narrow minded families? A whole society- wide approach needs to be adopted. No matter how much we try to address these issues in school and promote tolerance and liberty, if society disagrees with our approach, then we are banging our heads against a brick wall and progress cannot be made.
Once these issues start to be explored and expressed more freely with empathy and tolerance, people’s mental health will surely improve. People will feel that they will be able to be themselves and conformity will become less of a necessity. It’s about educating the children and encouraging them to approach situations in a level headed manner , being reflective rather than reactive, with tolerance and acceptance which will promote a way forward. No one should be regarded as superior to anyone else. We should all be treated equally, no matter our backgrounds, and no one has the right to judge anyone else.
Cherry Bakewell 