How can we make our world a happier place? Would our world be different if we saw each other as humans before we saw labels? Is it possible to appreciate someone for what's on the inside rather than the way they look on the outside? Only if we see people as human beings instead of labels.
My so-called "handicapped" body (seeing as how I don't have arms) allows me to watch how society acts around people with special needs. As an Inspirational Speaker, I often get to tell my audiences that society sees me as handicapped way before it sees me as a person.
Hannah, my 18 month old daughter, recently learned a new trick on a trip to the northeast. My wife told Hannah to "hold daddy's hand while we walk" because Joni's hands were full and we were in a crowded area. Now, before you think my wife was being insensitive, in our family, we exchange the words "foot" and "hand" all of the time when referring to me as my feet serve as my hands. We've never gotten hung up on word choices.
What is so inspiring and amazing to me is Hannah's acceptance of what is "normal" in our family. She doesn't know any differently, so she treats me with full acceptance and love unlike the world around me that often treats me as handicapped before they get to know me. Hannah's attitude shows what we all could be like if we simply treated others with respect and love without judging others based on looks.
In my presentations, I love to talk about seeing people instead of labels. Society as a whole is a great giver of labels. We have so many labels that we have decided to make up new labels because the old ones seem crass or hurtful. The word "handicapped" has become "person with special needs." While I agree that the new label is better than the old, I fear it is just a band-aid on a bigger problem.
Call me crazy, but I think we have the potential to see the true potential in others before we label them. Think about it...without labels, everyone would be on equal ground. No more hatred or bigotry could exist if we all saw people as human beings instead of limiting them with labels.
What would a label-less world look like? There would be no war as we wouldn't be bombing the "enemy" but rather bombing "people." There would be no poverty because the "poor" would be seen as "people." So, let's get started. The next time you catch yourself labeling someone, try getting to know them instead. You'll be amazed at what people have to give.
My so-called "handicapped" body (seeing as how I don't have arms) allows me to watch how society acts around people with special needs. As an Inspirational Speaker, I often get to tell my audiences that society sees me as handicapped way before it sees me as a person.
Hannah, my 18 month old daughter, recently learned a new trick on a trip to the northeast. My wife told Hannah to "hold daddy's hand while we walk" because Joni's hands were full and we were in a crowded area. Now, before you think my wife was being insensitive, in our family, we exchange the words "foot" and "hand" all of the time when referring to me as my feet serve as my hands. We've never gotten hung up on word choices.
What is so inspiring and amazing to me is Hannah's acceptance of what is "normal" in our family. She doesn't know any differently, so she treats me with full acceptance and love unlike the world around me that often treats me as handicapped before they get to know me. Hannah's attitude shows what we all could be like if we simply treated others with respect and love without judging others based on looks.
In my presentations, I love to talk about seeing people instead of labels. Society as a whole is a great giver of labels. We have so many labels that we have decided to make up new labels because the old ones seem crass or hurtful. The word "handicapped" has become "person with special needs." While I agree that the new label is better than the old, I fear it is just a band-aid on a bigger problem.
Call me crazy, but I think we have the potential to see the true potential in others before we label them. Think about it...without labels, everyone would be on equal ground. No more hatred or bigotry could exist if we all saw people as human beings instead of limiting them with labels.
What would a label-less world look like? There would be no war as we wouldn't be bombing the "enemy" but rather bombing "people." There would be no poverty because the "poor" would be seen as "people." So, let's get started. The next time you catch yourself labeling someone, try getting to know them instead. You'll be amazed at what people have to give.
About the Author:
Want more ways to make your world a better place? Check out Professional Keynote Speaker - Chet McDoniel for more info and a free download!
