What would the world look like if we all accepted each other? What would it look like if people were appreciated for what's on the inside rather than the outside? Would the world be a happier place? Absolutely!
My so-called "handicapped" body (seeing as how I don't have arms) allows me to watch how society acts around people with special needs. As an Inspirational Speaker, I often get to tell my audiences that society sees me as handicapped way before it sees me as a person.
Recently, during a trip to Baltimore, my 18 month old daughter learned to hold my foot with her hand while we are walking in a crowded area. You see, I drive a powered wheelchair with my right foot, and with my left, I am able to hold her hand to make sure she stays safe. It's what any parent would do for their child.
What is amazing to me is my daughter's complete and total acceptance of me as her dad despite not having arms. She views me with admiration and unconditional love. She doesn't see me as handicapped or disabled. She sees me as her daddy.
One of my favorite presentations to give is on seeing others as human beings, full of potential, rather than classifying them with restricting labels. Political correctness has determined that our old labels are no longer appropriate due to changes in society. While making sure we don't hurt feelings is a good step to take, I often feel that we are missing the bigger picture.
What if, instead of labels, we saw all people as simply, people? If there was no need to classify, we wouldn't have to come up with creative ways of saying hurtful things. Without labels, everyone in our society would be on equal ground.
What would a label-less world look like? There would be no war as we wouldn't be bombing the "enemy" but rather bombing "people." There would be no poverty because the "poor" would be seen as "people." So, let's get started. The next time you catch yourself labeling someone, try getting to know them instead. You'll be amazed at what people have to give.
My so-called "handicapped" body (seeing as how I don't have arms) allows me to watch how society acts around people with special needs. As an Inspirational Speaker, I often get to tell my audiences that society sees me as handicapped way before it sees me as a person.
Recently, during a trip to Baltimore, my 18 month old daughter learned to hold my foot with her hand while we are walking in a crowded area. You see, I drive a powered wheelchair with my right foot, and with my left, I am able to hold her hand to make sure she stays safe. It's what any parent would do for their child.
What is amazing to me is my daughter's complete and total acceptance of me as her dad despite not having arms. She views me with admiration and unconditional love. She doesn't see me as handicapped or disabled. She sees me as her daddy.
One of my favorite presentations to give is on seeing others as human beings, full of potential, rather than classifying them with restricting labels. Political correctness has determined that our old labels are no longer appropriate due to changes in society. While making sure we don't hurt feelings is a good step to take, I often feel that we are missing the bigger picture.
What if, instead of labels, we saw all people as simply, people? If there was no need to classify, we wouldn't have to come up with creative ways of saying hurtful things. Without labels, everyone in our society would be on equal ground.
What would a label-less world look like? There would be no war as we wouldn't be bombing the "enemy" but rather bombing "people." There would be no poverty because the "poor" would be seen as "people." So, let's get started. The next time you catch yourself labeling someone, try getting to know them instead. You'll be amazed at what people have to give.
About the Author:
Learn more about happiness. Check out Professional Keynote Speaker - Chet McDoniel for more info and a free download!
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