Intolerance is the curse of our nation!!

INTOLERANCE. When I first thought about this word I realized that I could not give a clear definition of what it meant. So I decided to go for a dictionary and look the word up. The definition that first appeared was: “unwillingness to accept ways of thinking and behaving that are different from your own”. I read it over and over again. I could understand the meaning but still, there was something missing. Human beings are intolerant in every single possible way. We are scared of everything that is different and unusual, and thus, we tend to react (most of the times) aggressively when our “normal” status quo is altered. But the question is: where is it that intolerance is born? Our family? Our  society? Would it be correct and acceptable if I say that the main place where intolerance is born and grows is school? I strongly believe that school is where it all starts. Of course, family and society contribute to our intolerant behavior. It happened to me this week, while I was waiting for the teacher of the school where I have to deliver my practicum, that I realized that it is actually our educational system the one which promotes, implicitly, the spread of intolerance among the students. As I stood there, waiting, a mother asked for the headmistress because there was a problematic situation and she needed an immediate answer. The woman´s daughter had been attacked with a knife by one of her partners and, consequently, her mother. It all happened while this girl was at school. The reason for the attack? She was from a little town, located in the surroundings of San Luis. That was all. Neither a logical nor a valid reason. She was just the new girl and as so she had to tolerate this. The only answer that the girl´s mother got was: “The headmistress is not here. Anyway you should not pay attention to what these kids say. They are just teenagers and probably they are trying to get some attention”. And it was in that particular moment that I understood that not only society, but the whole educational system is rotten. If we do not start making our kids being aware that respect and acceptance are basic principles to live in a society, what can we expect? We do not like and tolerate what is different, but what is exactly being different? Human beings are ALL DIFFERENT. Otherwise our existence would be absolutely boring and ridiculous. It is here, that teachers and the whole educational community should work and promote values and principles in order for students to start practicing it. The change will be progressive and time-consuming, but it will be worth the try. 

WRITING OUR FUTURE

Scarcely have I been so inspired and motivated by someone delivering a speech. Truth be told, I´m not a fan of speeches, of any kind. Or at least that is what I used to think before I watched Steve Job´s conference at Stanford University. At first, I thought that this gentleman was going to deliver a lecture about computers, technology and the “highly positive” effect they have on society. But I was wrong. As soon as he started speaking, I realised that behind that successful and brilliant exterior, there was a sensitive soul who had a message to share with everyone. And the most striking thing about it was that it turned out to be the story of my life, more or less. Thinking about our future and who we want to be are questions that are instilled in our minds since we are very young. A doctor, a lawyer, an architect or maybe a successful writer, are some of the professions and ambitions that we, human beings, are so desperate to become one day, or so it seems. And when the moment comes, the only question I can think of is: are we really pleased and satisfied with our decision? Or are we just trying to fulfil somebody else´s expectations?   And this is the part in which I totally agree with what Jobs says. Being a bright scientist or a famous lawyer does not necessarily make you a better person or citizen. Going to one of the most expensive universities in the world is not a guarantee of a promising future. However, following our hearts and thinking of our dreams will make us feel that we finally belong somewhere. It does not matter how crazy our ideas might be or how risky our plans can be. We should always give a try to what we really think is worth it. And once we get what we have wished for, we should not stay satisfied with what we have already achieved. There is always something new to learn and to do. Most importantly, we are the ones in charge of writing our own future. People who are part of our lives will always want the best for us. But BEST is not necessarily always a synonym of HAPPINESS. Sometimes it is necessary to be a little bit selfish and think of ourselves and what we want. Life is out there, waiting for all of us. Forget about what our parents want or what society expects from us. We should erase those ideas from our minds and keep our eyes focused on what we love to do and the reward we will get from it.

I would like to finish my reflection with this short quote by Paramore (which is my favourite band and by far my source of inspiration)

“It’s not the way you plan it, it’s how you make it happen”

(Paramore – Hello Cold World)

Video retrieved from:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

 

 

 

 

 

 

FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF :)