by Dossie M Terrell

Created on: November 25, 2009   Last Updated: May 27, 2012

Society has become obsessed with political correctness and false platitudes rather than set its focus on what is the truth and ways to find tactful ways to impart it. Most individuals readily accept appearances over substance, and demagogy over progressive ideology. Many truly believe they accept people for who they are, but if they are honest with themselves, they may find the whole notion is simply a meaningless expression.

To accept people for who they are means reaching out to them in positive ways. It means making connections with them, perhaps learning something about them that will change stereotypical attitudes. If this is not the motive for reaching out, the whole notion becomes an exercise in futility. Unfortunately for everyone, there seems to be a surge of juvenile behavior steeped in prejudices and biases that are based on how someone looks, their race and gender and their religious affiliations, etc. As long as folks fail to reconcile their feelings in these areas it will be impossible to accept people for who they are.

One might question why God chose to make folks with different hues and colors. Perhaps, He knew  it would be a challenge and that in the day  of judgement only a few will be able to stand before Him and truthfully acknowledge they treated each of His human creations with honor and respect. It does not matter what one looks like, he or she should remember, God said in Psalm 139:14 that each person is "fearfully and wonderfully" made. 

In the real world, many folk even find it difficult to accept close relatives and often even, they, themselves. Acceptance is a conviction or an assurance about something. It takes self-confidence and a belief in oneself and objectivity to accept others as they are. One must know who he or she is before they can  accept others. Many people who find fault in others impute certain behavior or judgements based on their own inability to accept themselves. When they cast aspersion, attention is taken off them.

When all unwarranted fears, groundless racism, unfair assessments, and inexcusable rudeness have been eradicated from society, perhaps it will be a first step toward seeing and accepting others for who they are. This ideal world is one where folks will reach out and get to know each other in ways that are beyond superficial discourse and meaningless expressions. Folks will accept everyone for who he or she is because it will be the normal course of human interactions with one another.

Learn more about this author, Dossie M Terrell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.