Teaching tolerance:
Eight women speak out

Words to Inspire

'I know if I see it, I will stand up for anyone who is being harassed or attacked. I am an American Jewish woman and I know what it means to be treated differently because of my religion. I know that there are certain parts of this country where I would not dare to live or venture to.
'Some people of Middle Eastern or south east Asian descent are living in parts of our country where they will be treated badly by those in our communities who are ignorant. Stand up for your fellow man and for your fellow human beings - defend the rights that we hold so dear to our hearts here in the United States of America.'
iVillager cl-discusfish, Aquarium message board.

'I drive an hour to and from work each day. On my way home Tuesday afternoon I spent most of the journey weeping as I listened to the tragic news and events of the day. I heard messages of confusion, of pain, of encouragement and of advice to Americans that they should not react out of hatred or violence towards people of certain nationalities.
While I listened, the reality of what transpired began to fully sink in, my body shook with emotion and the tears filled my eyes until I could barely see the road in front of me. I wiped them away and saw in the distance an American flag hanging half-staff. For the first time I truly understood the significance of what it means to be an American, of what that symbol really stands for.
In each car I passed, most with grim-faced people inside, I saw a family member - another human being who understood what I was feeling at that moment. I have never met these people, but for those brief seconds, as our cars passed and our eyes met, we were part of the same family - the family of the United States of America. And through this dark week of agony, we realize we are not alone in our pain.
The evil groups that have inflicted this despair on millions will ultimately gain nothing and will learn that the people of America, in times of need, come together, blind to race and color, beliefs and opinions and form a united front comprised of spirit, courage and the foundation on which this country was founded.'
iVillager foreverdita, In the News message board.

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