Apologies for the hiatus between posts–classic busy excuse. Any who, I hope everyone’s summers are under way and that you’re a toasty tan (I’m still a pearly pale, but some things never change… take me back to the Amalfi coast!).
As I’m sure most of you know, this week holds records in groundbreaking legislation and rulings for the good ol’ US of A. I can honestly say I’ve never been more proud to be a part of this amazing country that seems to finally take a giant leap forward in its thinking, as well as its acceptance.
However, I acknowledge that as a country, we’re years away from making the type of progress where people feel accepted by most/majority of their neighbors. I can honestly say, I am proud. I’ve always counted my lucky stars that my parents raised me in a way that I never felt that I had to conform to any molds (Southern, Jewish, Religious, Sexist, and whatever box that society places today’s/yesterday’s youth). Although I am lucky to come from the family that I do (faults and all), the truth remains that a large proportion of the country’s population cannot count their blessings in that department.
I grew up below the Mason Dixon Line, and while I love my friends and family that stem from such a… southern town, I can’t help but find myself slightly repulsed by some of the bigotry, ignorance, and overall disdain by some locals towards people who do not shrink away from themselves, who choose to be true to who they are. These people deserve accolades, not hateful words. They deserve to live their life and be acknowledged for having the courage to show their true color(s).
While my parents instilled a sense of selflessness in my sisters and I from a young age, it took me moving to Boston, some 1100 miles away from my home/friends/family, to see the extent of which hatred travels. Reading some Facebook posts of old classmates, reading Facebook posts of current classmates… I cannot help but see the dots coming together, realizing that it might not be a North versus South divide, but rather a difference in religion, race, economic standing and even education that show the differences in the people that combine to form my newsfeed. It matters not where you come from, but rather where you are going, and how you choose to continue on your journey there.
So, not to get too philosophical on you, but after today’s Pride parade, yesterday’s historic marriage equality ruling, along with the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare-lol), I can’t help the smile spreading across my face. And if you disagree with my (somewhat dramatic, I admit) words, then maybe you should have been standing next to me on 5th Avenue today, watching people feel accepted. Seeing people’s lives change. Seeing love all around me, on every corner, in every eye, in every heart, and in every colorfully striped flag. I do not see differences as a source of contention, but rather as an opportunity to discover more aspects of life. More to love, am I right?
To all of my friends and loved ones this ruling affects, this post is for you. I hope that you find the happiness that we all yearn for and deserve to have a chance to find.
Now please enjoy these amateur photos I took at the parade today! I hope they bring you as much happiness as they brought my mom.
Stay classy, sassy, and beautiful, and most of all: you.
Look out for a post sometime soon of a recap of the last month because let’s face it, this post was basically a rant.
XOXO
toomuchicing.com 