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EDITORIAL: Bring an end to hatred

Since the loss of 49 people in Florida, we’re seeing people uniting

Since the loss of 49 people in Florida, we’re seeing people uniting. They’re all calling for an end to hatred and pleading for people to be kind to each other.

Will flying the pride flag, a symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, undo the damage done by Omar Mateen and his weaponry? No.

Will signing mass online postcards of empathy or painting a sidewalk the colours of a rainbow bring back those young people? Obviously not.

But, a little paint on the street, a little extra colour in our lives, can’t hurt, either. What it can do is turn the spotlight on the need for tolerance, acceptance, and love.

It’s up to us to make this world a better place, and to rise above the hatred. The flags, sidewalks and postcards are nice, but we can do more. Let’s face it, we all have our fears and misplaced judgements. But it’s another thing altogether to live in fear because of who you are, who you love, who you pray to or the colour of your skin. It’s up to us to demand change, and do our part to live our beliefs, showing compassion and kindness for others.

The next time you see someone being treated unfairly, simply because of who he or she is, put yourself in their place. Do that, and chances are you will intervene. And once one person intervenes, others will follow.

Talking change is a good thing. Creating change is a great thing. Let’s be great.

-Black Press