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Posted inPoetic Posts
April 22th – Accept Them For Who They Are
Your poem is an absolute reflective learning experience for the reader.
Although they may agree with what is written, the words allow the reader to reflect on the value and beauty of truth. I will post on my office door and share with my students. When we are able to effectively articulate our thoughts, we are then able to take more reasonable action. We develop the skill of acting rather than reacting.
Thank you! I will read many times and share with many.
Wow Odesa! That is an honor for you to further share my words with the world!
I also believe that in this current day, people do not take the time to think and reflect. Instead, often times many impulsively react, especially on platforms of social media and tv. I hope that my poetry will provide your students with some insight to take a step back for a moment and think before they act.
Hi Dr. Nay,
In the black church culture I grew up in I remember learning the words to “Jesus loves the little children of the world”. I believe the intent of the song was to encourage even the youngest child to build a concept of acceptance of others different from themselves. In early childhood development self-awareness of course is key and as time progresses awareness of others expands beyond self, family, and neighborhood.
I believe frequent exposure to others different from yourself must happen particularly during the earliest years of schooling. Sadly, this not the case even til today in some communities. How does one practice acceptance of others as they are who are different from themselves when there are barely enough enriching experiences to mingle and mix in a variety of social settings? Acceptance of others is difficult to navigate when there is not enough exposure to different people in one’s daily interactions.
Growing up is Queens my entire life from age one to age 15 there was evidence of “urban plight” in a predominantly growing Afro- American community. I went to school with only kids that looked like me and shared common values. By High school I selected a high school out of my neighborhood because in my mind I wanted to mix and mingle with others different from myself. The message in that Sunday school song fostering inclusivity plus my passion for serious vocal studies drove me ahead.
Fast forward 50 years, in my work I am learning to move aside hindrances to build acceptance of those who are so different from me.With the of Zoom technology, I interact with others different from me so much more. I think the challenge is life altering. I only wish for that litlle girl, Mikka could have enjoyed this opportunity during her formative years of schooling.
Hi Mikka,
Yes, exposure and experience are the keys to acceptance. Diversity has been the driving force of determining my children’s education, residence and travel around the world to learn about various people and their cultures.
Thank you for sharing your story with us!!
Powerful message Dr. Nay! If only all people would be open to acceptance.. this world would be a better place. We all come with unique strengths and there is so much to learn from one another. Unfortunately, hate and pure ignorance can get in the way of us truly connecting with others and are hindrances to accepting, respecting, valuing, and embracing differences. Acceptance and knowledge is key!
Hey Kimberly,
Thanks for sharing your inner thoughts with us!
It is unfortunate that some people are not open-minded and accepting of others who are different than them. They allow ignorance to blind their judgment. For I believe that “different” is a good thing because diversity is an impetus for self-learning and growth.
Dr. Nay, so perfectly said. We all need to sit back and accept people for who they are with or with flaws and baggage.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks. Yes, we all have some sort of baggage that we all carry on our backs. Some people are self-aware, while some are not. But we must accept ourselves and others for who they are and decide if we want them in our personal universe.