If you’re like me and you probably are, discrimination is just a word. It doesn’t affect our daily lives and we don’t do it or so we think. It’s just a word and we remember the old saying that we all grew up on…”Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” So, get over it! Right?
I have thought for a while now, that people look at me and think because of my cane and my gray hair, and apparent lack of vigor, that I am “less than”. Then I tell myself that I’m just being overly sensitive or paranoid or something. I tell myself that it doesn’t matter, ignore it, “get over it” and so forth.
And then I was personally confronted by discrimination. My reality changed all of a sudden. I realize now why we had to have a law to protect disabled people. The ADA Law has become a living document for me. Discrimination is an ugly thing. I had no idea. I realize that I owe many apologies, over my lifetime, because of my indifference and lack of compassion.
It took a while for me to realize how hurt I was. At first I was mad, then as time passed, I realized that I was so very hurt. I am a living, breathing, human being and I didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Yes…I will get over it, but I will not forget it. I will keep it in my mind so as not to repeat the same behavior toward someone else.
Personal experience is definitely a very good teacher!! Why does that have to be? However…I’m still smiling!!
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
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