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Recently, there have been a plethora of depressing news stories
about random violence, terrorist attacks, and governmental dysfunction,
that I started to think about some of the good things I have read about
and positive trends I have observed.
Here are some examples of these positive trends that I encourage
you to get behind and support. Share this with friends and family and
have a discussion about these positive worldwide developments.
Social Media and World Peace - I recently learned of an amazing true story of an Israeli graphic artist who was tired of hearing about the inevitable Israel - Iran war and decided to create Images that sent the message that he loves Iran and doesn't want to hurt Iranians. These images started to be circulated on social media and before you know it hundreds of similar images were created by Israeli graphic artists. Guess what happened next?
Iranian artists started to produce and share images of themselves
stating that they loved Israel and the Israeli people and that they too
do not want a war. Is it any coincidence that several months later,
Iran has indicated that it wants to enter into serious negotiations to
bring about peace?
Watch the Video and you decide.
Watch the Video and you decide.
Social Media has the promise of connecting individuals so that we
can talk directly. This increased ability to communicate will lead to
more understanding, compassion, and a sense of community that has never
existed before on the planet.
Equal Rights For Women -
In many countries, women are not allowed to enjoy the same rights,
opportunities, and advantages as men. In Saudi Arabia, the government
warned women who are seeking to defy a ban on women driving that they
will be punished if they drive on the day of protest or any day for that matter.
In Pakistan, the World has gotten to know of this remarkable young woman, Malala Yousafzai,
who had the courage to stand up to the Taliban and speak out for the
rights of girls to get an education. She was shot at and almost died.
The fact that women are speaking out and defying this unfair treatment
is a great first step.
Women and Men from around the world must become more engaged
in protecting women's right and help to stop this subjugation of women. Malala
Yousafzai's father was willing to die for this cause (he nor anyone
ever thought the Taliban would try to kill his daughter - he thought
they would target him) as is she. It is time that more of us stand up
for these rights.
Equal Marriage Rights - New Jersey became
the most recent state to allow marriage regardless of sexual
orientation. I don't like calling it "gay" marriage because it helps to
foster the notion that there is something different in the first place.
The fact that men and women cannot marry someone because of their
sexual orientation is blatant discrimination and has hurt millions of
men and women emotionally and financially.
In
many parts of the World, men and women are afraid to be themselves for
fear of being physically assaulted or put in jail. It is time for all of
the entire United States (and the World) to protect everyone's marriage
rights and to allow all people the same right to marry the person they
love regardless of their sexual orientation.
It's
time that we all speak up in favor of equal rights for everyone
regardless of sexual orientation. You can do this by being kind to
everyone you meet regardless of their sexual orientation, by supporting
changes in the law, and by speaking out in favor of treating people
equally.
Large Scale Charitable Endeavors -
There are a growing number of examples of individuals undertaking large
charitable donations and more importantly creating organizations to
manage the money and problem solve. The Gates Foundation, Warren Buffet, and Mark Zuckerberg all
come to mind. There are many other philanthropists who are committed to
helping the poor, sick, and fragile members of our society. They are
to be applauded as they provide an example of doing good works and
reaching out to the less fortunate.
I believe that this is a growing trend and one that will hopefully
continue to grow. While the vast majority of people cannot contribute
financially to disadvantaged people, we can all challenge ourselves to
do more whether it's donating a few dollars or food, lending a hand,
giving a smile, or volunteering your time to help someone in need by
helping them get help, giving them a ride, or donating your services.
The more we do this, the more we help the World become a better place.
These four trends highlighted by some recent news stories will
hopefully continue to grow. While most of will never create a peace
initiative that goes viral, have the courage to risk our life by
speaking out on behalf a just cause, be able to bring about changes in
the law, or donate billions of dollars, here's what we can do. We can
learn about what's going on. We can talk about these positive
developments with our friends, coworkers, and neighbors. We can
contribute our time, resources, and expertise to help positive
initiatives and charitable endeavors. We can be kinder, more patient,
more understanding, and less judgmental. Maybe if enough of us do that,
that will become newsworthy and "trending." Wouldn't that be nice.
*
Happy 24/7 weekends to you,
Marius
*
Happy 24/7 weekends to you,
Marius
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