by Sussa Bailey

Created on: August 15, 2009   Last Updated: August 16, 2009

We all discriminate. We've all been discriminated against, no matter how minute the circumstances. The array of things around us to discriminate about is vast. I used to be an educational snob once upon a time: today, I am the total opposite. Time taught me that true experience of life (and practical tasks) cannot be replaced by a certificate, diploma or degree. Suffer the living, and you will understand equality. If you have not experienced human trauma, I can almost guarantee you: you have no clue where your place is on this ball.

There are three major elements in the equality of all things: LIFE, TIME, DEATH. To comprehend the elements of equality, I had to encounter DEATH before I really wanted LIFE to be over. TIME healed my rebellion against LIFE. Yes, one has to be assertive and self-confident to make it in this life, but one also has to realize that you are just one of many. To be a unique human being asks for some serious time to be invested in thyself, but at the end of the day you must know that you are not that special. DEATH will pay you a visit on just another day.

I suffered the living by facing death on a very long suicidal trip in my late teens-early twenties. And when I see real-time, hardcore human (or animal) suffering, discrimination and exploitation, I cannot stop but to feel more than I can handle unstoppable tears, I do not care how public my surroundings. Life on this earth is SO worth living for, but it is equally SO unfair. One day, I might be that lonely, well-dressed, old woman scratching in the bin for some food on the streets of London. Tomorrow, I might be that exploited worker earning $177 a month working in very inhuman, severe and unsafe conditions 24-7 in Dubai.

Get a grip on reality human being; you are NOT too high-up the food chain, too highly ranked, too special, too privileged, too sane, too clever to be touched and to end up poor, with one-leg, with MS, an alcoholic, a junkie, anorexic. Your Number 2 does not shine like a diamond: it is dark bloody brown like everyone else's. There is one very unfair disease waiting for you; unless you DIE young, one day you will be OLD. Mind yourself, human being, so when you are old, you have treated the living with as much respect and dignity as you have considered yourself worthy.

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