At the beginning of each week, I try to post something inspiring. There’s a whole lot of funny going on in the blogsophere this morning, so I encourage you to go get your dose of it. These posts I write are designed to be a bit more serious, deep — that kind of thing.
Humanity: all human beings collectively; the human race; humankind; the quality or condition of being human; human nature; the quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence.
I’m not one of those 24/7 news watchers because I’ve been in that entertainment/journalistic world and I know what drives ratings, but I do tune in when the idiot box allows some little snippet of goodness and it was this:
A wreck happened in Mississippi. One of those places that have the label of being “racist.” A reporter from the Associated Press was on his way to an assignment and he witnessed an SUV that ran off the road with two sisters in it. More than two dozen people stopped to help. The reporter and others hailed down other people and a cement truck came along just in time to wash the flames off the truck that otherwise would have killed the two women, the De Monte sisters, inside.
Here’s what the reporter from the Associated Press said:
“It never occurred to me to go into journalist mode until the fire was knocked down. I knew she was safe so I went and got the cameras. The car accident is not news to the AP, but this clearly was an amazing heroic effort by all these people and I wanted to document it.
“I was so humbled. It was just amazing to be with this group of people, and to see what they did. It was just unbelievable. It turned out to be a beautiful day instead of a tragic day. Afterward, there were a lot of congratulatory handshakes and back slapping.
“It was really powerful to see all these people saving someone from dying. It was amazing.”
Of course the story doesn’t go into whether these people were “liberal” or “conservative.” And when they all came together to help, I bet none of them were thinking about that either.
The Point to ALL This
Those of you who’ve been reading my posts for awhile, probably know what I’m about. I believe in kindness, respect and love for all. I believe that a person should be able to love, marry and have a family whatever their nationality, creed, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientations and all that.
I’ve been through some serious stuff in my life and I’ve been on this earth for awhile. I’ve moved around and lived in plenty of different places and I’ve observed a lot. All places are the same. There’s some who get it and some who don’t.
I’ve had the good fortune to work with St. Jude and Ronald McDonald House. Doctors, patients, families who come from everywhere, all over the world and every kind of belief and lifestyle. None of that mattered. They were just focusing on trying to save their child’s life. That’s it. Just love. Humanity.
What bothers me is when anyone, whether they believe in the literal sense of religion or whether they don’t are spewing out hatred, belittling someone because of their beliefs. And I don’t mean the humorous stuff — I mean the venomous separateness that still goes on, today in the freaking 21st century.
Stupid Stereotypes
I grew up in the South. I know about discrimination, but I was brought up to be on the side of doing what was right and we know what those things are. Many Southerners believed and believe that way Shockingly, I still find myself having to explain that not everyone from the South is a gun-toting racist. I used to get angry about that. I don’t anymore, but I find it so disheartening to think that people, now, as far as we’ve come, still hang on to those tired, old misinformed stereotypes.
I don’t know every extreme “leader” that spews out a horrible diatribe against people of different lifestyles and beliefs. I don’t like to watch or listen to them and the same goes for those on the opposite “side” who belittle and berate them right back with the very same venom.
I know that a utopian society can’t exist, but I do think something better than this can. The generation following us looks to us to know how to act. It matters how we treat one another.
Hatred, from whatever side it’s coming from, is not the way we move forward. It’s up to us to show our humanity — love and respect, despite our differences. I would think that’s one thing we can agree on — we all have the right to believe how we believe.
Maybe I’m naive but I’d like to think we can stand up for our beliefs and speak our passions with a kind heart and cool head. But then again, I’m been told my entire life — “You’re so sensitive! or You’re too sensitive!”
But I like sensitive, so I think I’m just gonna own it.
Happy Monday everyone and enjoy a song about humanity.
The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy. — Kalu Kalu
Brigitte's Banter 
you are truly the sweetest and one of the smartest bloggers I know, and I love this post. I am going to point out one little thing, in the interest of being totally unbiased– leave out the word conservative in front of leader, only because you did not use the word liberal. Conservative is not a bad word, just as liberal is not–but your whole post is so profound that is the only thing I see that is out of character for you. We are both journalists and very sensitive, and I so do not want to offend you. Maybe conservative has a different meaning in Canada, and I am being out of line. Please let me know.
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | August 20, 2012, 11:09 amLou Ann, you are absolutely right! Absolutely. It’s just a word and I have friends who believe “conservatively” and it is most certainly not a bad one — at all. I’m not in Canada, though! Thank you so much for getting the message and meaning of this. I wanted it to read unbiased and coming from a place of understanding and you, my friend got that. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 11:14 amI knew you would react like that – I was so afraid of offending you. I knew you were not in Canada–but the definitions of our political parties are slightly different
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | August 20, 2012, 12:49 pmHow could you have possibly offended me? You are also one of those very kind and smart bloggers, yourself Lou Ann. Your comments and insights are always, always welcome here.
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 12:55 pmLou Ann,
You are right, conservative in Canada doesn’t mean the same thing, notably because of Stephen Harper’s party, which for most of us Canadians, equals with being “reactionary”. Brigitte, like you wrote, is nothing like that. She’s a beautiful human being with a set of values in which she feels comfortable, and who will further more respect others’ sets of values.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | August 21, 2012, 8:54 amI like Stephen Harper which would surprise a lot of people. What you said of Brigitte is so true–she is the darling of the blog world.
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | August 21, 2012, 9:04 amI seriously need to read more about Canada. Hubby’s ancestors are French Canadian, lived in Halifax and you should see the red Canada hat he has! It’s like a beret but not. You Canadians have such flair, you do. xxoo. I should know, hubby is that.
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 9:09 amBrigitte – you are such a charmer — I know what you are trying to do –you are such a peacekeeper
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | August 21, 2012, 9:11 amWhat?? I love Canadians. I love your play money and your Canadian Mounties. I do, I really do. :D. Big smile for you, Lou Ann so you know I’m kidding. much love. xxoo.
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 4:50 pmwhat–you don’t like monopoly money — we need our money to be coloured so we can differentiate it — you notice we like bright colours up here – the Mounties wear a lot of red, our flag is red and white, we get big red welts from beaver bites (just kidding)
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | August 21, 2012, 5:02 pmSeriously, do you want us to make fun of you?
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 5:08 pmit is hard not to, isn’t it – I truly set myself up –but only me, the rest of the Canadian people are wonderful (I am not so sure about Clown guy though–and I am only judging from his post on Barefoot Bareness)
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | August 21, 2012, 5:17 pmI’m telling you, my husband is French Canadian. Plenty of his peeps (on his Dad’s side) hail from Nova Scotia, so I love me some Canada. :).
Le Clown is an enigma but he’s harmless and I do think very sweet when he shows that. He has that strange humor about him. Show no fear and you’ll be fine. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 5:20 pmsweet with a strange sense of humour–good combo (LOL)
glad you love Canadians, I love Americans (had a couple of American boyfriends in university, but married a Canadian in the end)
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | August 21, 2012, 5:42 pmLe Clown, thank you. And, you are right, I do respect everyone’s values, as long as they don’t harm. I’m not educated on Canada’s political system but perhaps I should be! I don’t assign any kind of “label” to myself, either, btw. What I do believe is treating people with respect and that they have the right to believe how they wish to believe. I think that’s the definition of freedom, yes? I don’t know how it is in Canada but here I tire of the arguing on both sides. Maybe I’m child-like or naive that way; I just don’t get why people have to get so mad at each other simply because they believe differently.
You’re beautiful yourself, Le Clown and thank you. I hope this didn’t seem “reactionary,” it was from the heart and meant only as respectful to everyone — you know, humanity, humans, the planet. (smile) That’s for you because I know how you feel about those smiley things.
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 9:07 amBrigitte,
I agree with every single thing you said. You know I like to poke fun at everything on my blog, and lately, Paul Ryan has been my focus. But in all seriousness, I do not endorse the other party… I do think, like in Canada, that we are often less to choose between the lesser of two evils. I do appreciate a good banter, a respectful one. I use to think someone’s freedom stopped where another one’s started. Boundaries and respects are fundamentally important. I know I shock on my blog, but I do it to provoke, and encourage discussion. And I do think there are issues that need more exposure, like a few weeks back weeks back when I wrote about extreme moms. Keep on being beautiful and free, Brigitte. And when Le Clown tackles a topic in a way you don’t approve, tell him. It will be an open and respectful conversation, I can promise you that.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | August 21, 2012, 9:12 amI know you and get you despite what you think! I’m just not as fast on my feet as you are or maybe it’s my sensitive thing that gets in the way. And yes, you do shock but in a hilarious way. And I do know what you mean about choosing the lesser of the two evils and I think that’s sad, but it’s all we have and all in all, it’s still a beautiful world. That’s just my humble opinion anyway. As I’ve always said, most people are good and want to do good. I really think I’m right about that anyway. (wink and smile) no emoticons for Le Clown.
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 4:51 pmBrigitte,
Please forgive my typos. I have not re-read my comment.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | August 21, 2012, 9:16 amI get the “you’re an idealist” as if I’m not grounded in reality. There’s no such thing as “too sensitive” or an unrooted idealist. I’m with you, Brig! It IS all about kindness and mutual respect! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | August 20, 2012, 11:11 amWe are of the same mindset and mold I think, M. Thank you. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 11:54 am!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 !!!!! I don’t know what else to say. L O V E this quote “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – Kalu Kalu
Posted by Honie Briggs | August 20, 2012, 11:15 amHey Honie, so glad you liked it. I got a package in the mail today and I can’t wait to dig into that. ;). xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 11:55 amAWESOME
Posted by Honie Briggs | August 20, 2012, 12:30 pmSuch wise words. And thank you for writing about people coming together to help others in need. Kind acts happen all the time, but sadly, we rarely hear about them.
To my boys’ frustration, I’m sure, I often discuss with them what we see on TV and in the movies. I tell them, sure, the snarky, sassy, opinionated, rude characters are fun to watch, and we laugh at them, but imagine what this world would be like if everyone acted like that in reality. To me, it always comes down to the Golden Rule. So simple, but so important. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | August 20, 2012, 11:28 amHi Carrie, you’re welcome and thank you for getting it. I know what you mean, it’s scary some of the trash that just gives more fuel to that fire, but at least you watch with your kids and explain to them that this so-called “reality” isn’t! And yes, it really is as simple as the Golden Rule and for the life of me, I can’t figure out why it has to be so complicated. Thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 11:57 amOwn it, Brigitte, own it! I hadn’t read that story about the sisters being rescued from the burning car, but it’s a comforting one. They didn’t care about liberal or conservative, black or white, or whatever, it was just about people helping people. Which is what it should always be about. I’ve had it up to *here* with the hate mongering and venom spewing, and unfortunately the upcoming election is bringing it to a new level. Ultimately it should just come down to people being decent to each other. If only more people felt the way you do, B.
Posted by Madame Weebles | August 20, 2012, 11:43 amThanks, Weebs! I shall. You’d think it could be like that. And I’m so with you — I have too — had it up to here with the fear/hate mongering. You’re so decent for saying that and paying me such a wonderful compliment. Thank you, Weebs. See how that works — that whole humanity thing, not so difficult, huh? And I think the same about you, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 12:00 pmThis was beautiful. It’s so hard not to get caught up in the ‘us versus them’ mentality. Thank you for reminding me of just how important it is to recognize the humanity in others, and to remember my own.
Posted by Kathy V. | August 20, 2012, 12:24 pmKathy, thank you — what a wonderful thing to say and you’re welcome.
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 12:53 pmGreat post. I couldn’t agree more. And that song just sums it all up, doesn’t it? Thanks for a thought-provoking post. Good timing for this reminder with the Presidential race just about to heat up!
Posted by newsofthetimes | August 20, 2012, 12:39 pmHi J, thank you. Yeah, always did love that song and glad you enjoyed the post. :).
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 12:53 pmwonderful thoughtful post Brigitte. Do unto others… everyone should read this post today.– I like that you are sensitive– it puts a smile in my heart
Posted by unfetteredbs | August 20, 2012, 1:04 pmThanks, Audra. It’d be nice if everyone did, but I don’t think that’ll happen! But I’m glad you did and your comments always bring a smile to my face. You’re wonderful, friend. :).
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 1:26 pmthey should freshly press this post… not Le Clown’s shlong (smile)
Posted by unfetteredbs | August 20, 2012, 1:30 pmThat’s so nice of you to say. And ew, I’d rather not think about that. Still trying to get it out of my head, but there’s just some things you can’t unsee. Jeez. :).
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 1:33 pmchuckling.. I know I know. Sorry
Posted by unfetteredbs | August 20, 2012, 1:35 pm:D.
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 1:36 pmKeep spreading the love Brigitte! When you share these thoughts, there’s always a chance for people to be affected by something positive that you’ve said.
I didn’t read about the sisters in the SUV. I have to find it now on the internet.
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | August 20, 2012, 1:34 pmThanks, Sandee, I try I really do and I hope that happens. Click on the AP link in my post and you can read about it. Appreciate your stopping by and spreading the positive vibes, friend. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 1:35 pmThis is a beautiful post Brig. I feel the compassion and concern jumping off the page.
It’s so much easier to live and let live, treat people as we would want to be treated, etc. Not to get all spiritual but… I do believe in God and I believe that He sent us into this mortality to make choices, to exercise our free agency so that we could grow spiritually. Any person or system that interferes with that freedom is going down the wrong path. (that’s my personal belief) We’re commanded to love one another — not condemn or judge or punish one another. Just love each other… I don’t think it gets any simpler than that?
As a therapist I have been confronted with the reality of having court ordered clients come to me for counseling. Some of them had committed heinous crimes – unspeakable. Yet, as their counselor, I had to therapeutically find a way to turn them around, give them hope, remove judgement, and some how practice unconditional positive regard. Basically I had to find a reason for them to love themselves so that they could make better choices for themselves. This is not an easy task. I found that stripping people down to their core or spirit and relating to them as a child was the only way I could tackle these sessions. No one comes into the world all twisted and wounded. When we relate to each other as stripped down spirits, it’s easy to see the beauty we each possess.
We’re all fighting an uphill battle. None of us in in a position to judge. We need to soften our hearts and love one another, warts and all. : )
Geeze this was a rambler… so sorry. Guess I had a lot to say. It’s your fault for writing such an inspiring blog!
Posted by A Gripping Life | August 20, 2012, 3:13 pmLisa, I would love to talk to you face-to-face. And you can get spiritual any time you want on my blog! I believe in God too. I hope that the way in which I write my posts reflects that — that goodness of what a truly benevolent Supreme Being is — the God I believe in. The one who doesn’t judge, condemn and wants us humans to embrace that same compassion. I agree with you, it seems so simple and I don’t know why it has to be so complicated. It saddens me to my core sometimes — there’s that sensitivity thing again!!
I can’t imagine how much you’re faced with trying to practice “non-judgment” and how it must be difficult not to do sometimes from what you describe. Thank you so much for your comments. You never ramble. You choose your words carefully and with great compassion and wisdom. I can understand why you do what you do and you must be very good at making others feel as if they matter. You do me, for taking the time to “ramble” (NOT), so thank you for that. Now, if we could only do that on a daily basis, “soften our hearts” maybe we could see the humanity in each other. xxoo.
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 3:27 pmxoxo!
Posted by A Gripping Life | August 20, 2012, 3:29 pmDear Brig,
What a perfect song for this!!! I didn’t believe the whole 2012 rigamaroll about all of us dying. I DO, however, believe 2012 is the scene for a huge energy shift. I think a huge chasm will divide those who “get it”….and those who sadly, just don’t. What did the alchemist call it? WARRIORS OF LIGHT.
I pledge to be a warrior of light. With my words, my actions…I promise to be let my light shine. I love that I have found you, Margarita, and so many others that are like-minded.
Warriors of LIght are we.
🙂
Love, Lis
xoxoxoox
Posted by Carr Party of Five | August 20, 2012, 3:50 pmLis, I think you’re right. But I’d like to see that chasm not be so wide and it will be. Change takes time and we have to be patient with ourselves and with others. You have to live the life you want life to be. Our actions, words, deeds — all matters. Thanks, dear friend and glad I found you as well. We seem to be in very good company. ;). xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 3:56 pmThank you for writing this. You are so thoughtful and while I do mean caring, I also mean full of thought, cerebral.
I definitely needed this today! xoxox
Posted by Maggie O'C | August 20, 2012, 4:26 pmWell, you’re welcome, Maggie and thank you! Glad I gave a little something you needed, friend. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 7:34 pmSome beautifully expressed thoughts. The irony, of course, is that if the majority of the population were as wise and eloquent as you, your words would be unnecessary.
I agree that our collective squabbling is very wearisome. It’s sad, because in general, I think things largely are better for people in a general sense than they were years ago. Despite what the news would have you believe, we’re safer and healthier than at any point in history. Sadly, we don’t appear any happier.
I think this is partly due to the idea that the world owes something to us, for our pain and suffering, or even just because we deserve it. With every perceived slight or obstacle, instead of dusting ourselves off and moving on, we whine about it.
Salman Rushdie said it best:
“We, the public, are easily, lethally offended. We have come to think of taking offence as a fundamental right. We value very little more highly than our rage, which gives us, in our opinion, the moral high ground. From this high ground we can shoot down at our enemies and inflict heavy fatalities. We take pride in our short fuses. Our anger elevates, transcends.”
Posted by Smaktakula | August 20, 2012, 5:23 pmHi Smak, that’s a nice thing to say — thank you. And you are right, things are better than they were years ago. I’ve heard many stories from my parents and my grandparents about how things were when they were growing up. We’ve got a lot going for us and I do believe if we focused on what’s right instead of what’s wrong, maybe people could be happier. Not sure why that is, but again as I’ve said here, maybe I’m just naive. What’s the song – “The big bad world doesn’t owe you a thing, get over it.” Something like that.
I hope this didn’t come across as whining or complaining because that wasn’t my intention! What a great quote from Rushdie — thank you. You always leave such food for thought when you comment and I so appreciate it!
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 7:38 pmAbsolutely lovely! I was always tagged as being too sensitive, too. That’s how my Little One is. I’m learning to own it and hopefully teaching him the same.
Posted by Fish Out of Water | August 20, 2012, 7:58 pmWhy thank you, Fish. I think sensitive souls get way more things than people realize. I think it’s great your Little One is sensitive and you too. I’m glad you’re encouraging him to be himself and embrace all that lovely sensitivity. The toughest thing is to remember to let things slide off you, even the unintentional “hurtful” ones. If you can figure out how to do that, please let me know, okay? ;).
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 8:02 pmYeah, same to you. 🙂
Posted by Fish Out of Water | August 20, 2012, 8:07 pmI agree with you that there is something better out there, the cornerstone of which must be tolerance. Somewhere along the way, we became “me based” and not “we” based focusing on similarities and not differences. If there were more “sensetive” people in the world, it would be a better place and let’s not confuse sensetive to weakness. It takes a lot of strength and courage to show sensetivity. Great post.
Posted by the curtain raiser | August 20, 2012, 8:23 pmHi J, thank you! So nice to see you here and I agree, but I think we’re getting better — I hope so. I agree with you, being sensitive is being aware, being empathetic and that’s always a good thing. So appreciate your kind and thoughtful comment.
Posted by Brigitte | August 20, 2012, 8:31 pmOh girl, I so hear you on the Southern thing. There are some good, sweet people who don’t live up to those stereotypes at all, and I like to think that I’m one of them. I certainly count you among them. As always, lovely post. Sorry I’m coming to the party late, but this was certainly a wonderful post to end the day with.
Posted by The Waiting | August 20, 2012, 9:55 pmHi Emily, yes you’re sooooo right about that. :). I definitely think you’re one of them and thank you. You’re never too late to the party — you just make it better.
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 8:44 amBrigitte I love this post. I love your heart. Honestly I feel so inspired and uplifted right now!
Posted by dianasschwenk | August 20, 2012, 10:02 pmDiana, thank you. I love yours right back and so glad something I wrote made you feel inspired — that’s so nice. :).
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 8:44 amYou’re so very welcome!
Posted by dianasschwenk | August 21, 2012, 4:07 pmPeople are afraid of difference so I think that’s why there are so many stereotypes out there that are so hard to get rid of or change. I think once we all start to accept the fact that regardless of surface differences, people will realize that underneath, we’re all human and therefore all the same.
Posts like these always make me want to try harder to be a better person. Not that I’m not trying already but it definitely gives me motivation to try even more so I’d say you’ve done your job very well here with these musings and motivations posts. 🙂
Posted by lillianccc | August 20, 2012, 10:27 pmHi Lillian, you’re so right and thank you! I’ve read your posts and gleaned some inspiration myself so I guess it must work both ways, huh? That’s how it’s supposed to happen and your comment inspired me — thank you for that.
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 8:46 amYou always make me think about my little world, and how it fits into the big world. Thank you for keeping me thinking.
Posted by reptilesintheicecream | August 21, 2012, 5:34 pmHey Rep, you’re most welcome. Just some of my meandering musings on things….xxoo.
Posted by Brigitte | August 21, 2012, 5:38 pmBrigitte,
This post so speaks to me and for some reason, I feel tears welling up – in a good way. I, too, was born in the South and I, too, have been told that I’m too sensitive.
I remember being at the home of one of my husband’s colleagues in San Francisco several years ago (they both were marketing experts for Hewlett-Packard). The colleague was someone who most would consider a liberal Democrat, an activist in the farm-worker’s rights movement and someone who my husband felt “was a really nice guy.” When the topic came around to where I was born and I responded: “Atlanta,” his comment was something like: “Well anyone born more than twelve miles outside the center of Atlanta is a redneck.” I was stung to my core – so much so, that I was simply speechless and there was an embarrassing silence. It was obvious that I was offended. The colleague, however, didn’t get it. Whether he was liberal or not, he too, was a bigot.
I’ve gotten over that now. But it was an enlightening experience to see and be the object of such venom, simply because of the location of my birth. I, too, believe that we can stand up for our beliefs with a kind heart and a cool head. I learned a great deal about how it felt to be harshly judged based on stereotypes.That experience made me acutely aware of when I judge and how not to. In many ways, it was a wonderful gift.
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | August 21, 2012, 11:31 pmHi Cathy, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, I’ve been through those very same kind of scenarios you’ve described and been rendered speechless as well. But like you, I didn’t bite back. Why? I’m not even sure if people who make those comments understand they’re being that way. I’m very sensitive to that, as you are, because of those experiences so maybe that’s why. Thank you so much for reading and your nice and very “sensitive” understanding. It is so appreciated!
Posted by Brigitte | August 22, 2012, 9:33 am