Why All the Differences?

 

Growing up in Illinois, I understandably was a Chicago Cubs fan. I remember watching games with my grandfather. As I remember, they didn’t win much, but it was fun to watch. I also remember seeing some of the great legends play. I was in 8^th grade the year Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. It was all we could talk about. Hank the Hammer was one of his nicknames. I had no idea how hard he had to work to get to the top.

A few days ago I read an article about his baseball career. I can only say I was shocked at some of the things I found out. In one instance, while his teammates were dining in a restaurant in Washington, DC, Hank and his buddies faced something that no one should ever face. It is said that the kitchen crew in the back destroyed the plates that had been touched by “the blacks”. If a dog had lick it, they would have washed it. Hank took it in stride and pressed on, showing the world that he was made of “better stuff”.

It started me thinking. Did everyone in the back kitchen feel that way, or did some of them just go along out of fear or embarrassment? Either way, it hurt. Either way it was the wrong thing to do. Have you ever been in such a situation? I know I have. Those who think they are better than others looking down on them and holding it over their heads and expecting everyone else to follow aolng. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I have always stood for the little guy, but I try.

It goes beyond race or color or gender. These are just the easy ones to notice. It’s how we treat our fellow man. We have been working for several years helping the homeless and low income families in the Modesto area. It’s amazing how invisible they can become if we are not careful. I’ll be honest, it took me some time also. Questions like, “Are they sick?”, are they clean?” used to  cross my mind. As I got to know them, these things started to fade into the background. I have one man who greets me every day with a handshake and sometimes a “bro hug”. Now, I wouldn’t’ miss it for the world.  

So who do you ignore, or shy away from because of differences? (Hopefully you don’t mistreat anyone!) Better yet, what are you going to do about it? Can you stand up to the pressure, or will you just go along with the crowd? The Choice is yours!