Current Events

These past few days have been especially disturbing watching the events unfold in the United States as a result of the murder of George Floyd. The video was disturbing and clearly implicates the law enforcement officials who were involved. The abuse of power displayed was both shocking and a definite call for action which has resulted in serious riots throughout the United States and protests across the globe. These protests have shone a very dark light on the racism that is so prevalent in the United States but what it has also shown me is that there is still an unprecedented amount of hate on our planet.

Just the other day while walking with a friend, a man on a bike passing by us yelled homophobic slurs at me. Although this was the first time this has happened to me in a year or so, it was still another example of hateful rhetoric that frankly, shouldn't be happening. I've had slurs hurled at me repeatedly throughout my life, I've felt scared to leave school because I was worried there would be people waiting to attack me, I've hated myself for being gay etc. and all of this stems from hate. You see, hate is a giant blanket that covers a variety of situations which include both racism and homophobia. When someone hates you and feels as though they have the right to inform you that they loathe your existence, it's extremely disappointing.

​I live my life everyday as someone who gives everyone a chance. My dad always had a quote that I enjoyed;

"I don't care what colour you skin is or who you love, if you're an asshole, you're an asshole."

We need more love and understanding on this planet. It's 2020, we shouldn't be dealing with racism any longer. We shouldn't be dealing with homophobia any longer. These are things that are so outdated and given that we all are educated not to treat people differently because of these things, it's astonishing that it is still so prevalent. There are parts of the world where gay people are thrown off of buildings and their families are publicly shamed. There are parts of the world where gay people are thrown in jail for the rest of their lives simply for being gay. There are parts of the world where women have absolutely no rights and are seen as less than men. And quite obviously, there are parts of this world where African American people are unfairly targeted by the police and endure needless police brutality. This is unacceptable.

We are one planet and we are all human kind. We all bleed the same colour, we all desire a life free from the injustices of society. We all crave a life where we have the same chances at happiness as everyone else, free from persecution. We all DESERVE these things. In this day and age, we should be coming together instead of tearing eachother apart. Can you imagine how amazing this world would be if we all gave peace a chance? If every country on this planet worked together for the greater good of all people and all people had equal; rights and opportunities. It seems like nothing more than just a dream but it's possible if we all come together.

​Stand up against racism. Stand up against discrimination of any kind. Be kind to everyone you meet. Help your neighbours. Stand up for animals. These are things that we all need to be doing everyday. There will come a time where discrimination no longer exists but it's up to all of us to ensure that that day comes sooner than later.

HAPPY VEG