I started this series with a pep talk, so it only seems appropriate to end it with a pep talk. Kid President has jump started thoughts and provoked action. It has been inspiring and empowering to see his passion grow and his efforts evolve into movements. If we learn nothing else from Kid President, we should know that our voices matter, no matter how small we think we are. Now, it is time for a message from Kid President: listen to his words, apply them to today’s situations, and do your part in taking action. In light of the events in recent days, I cannot help but think about the possibilities and responsibilities we have to protect and honor the status we hold as Americans and humans. I, now more than ever, want to be the positive change in the world. It is not enough to sit back and watch history happen before my eyes; I need to take an active role in history and the shaping of the next generation. Kid President is already doing his part, so now it is my turn and your turn to do something for the modern era. It is easy to sit behind a screen and say this, that, and the other thing, but until we get out and actually do the things we are saying, nothing will ever get done. My greatest fear is that the “should have, could have, would have” mentality will yet overcome another generation as we sit idle during times of separation and fear. We must muster the courage to stand up for others, assemble in solidarity with the oppressed, and be united in heart and mind. We cannot let the trap of division tear us apart and dictate our affiliations. I will admit, I have had a pit in my stomach watching news reports and reading updates about the current political divide in our nation. And even though I am not sure what the long-term ramifications are going to be, I do know that together we can do something. Demonstrations have been taking place almost daily in every state at some point or another this week, and it is amazing to think about. Demonstrations have been an integral aspect of American history, and they have been successful. People marched for rights then, and we will continue to march for rights today. Regardless of what we are marching for and standing up against, we must break barriers and unite as one to create a wave of change. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017
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This election cycle has brought out the ugly in people. Opinions flew and it did not matter what side we were on, one side was always right, while the other side was always wrong. I saw a different side of people I never thought could exist. It was incredible to see how my thoughts and feelings were invalidated just because someone else did not have the same experience as I did. I was flabbergasted. This behavior is foreign to me, so to be treated as an inferior for voicing my thoughts opened my eyes to the meanness and ill-mannered people of the world. I have been trying my best to stay positive in all the negativity that is circling around me. Kid President is wise beyond his years, and I think we can all learn something from him. He has a way about him that makes me feel so much happier after watching one of his videos or reading one of his quotes. This video is a good reminder to swap out the negativity for some positivity, even if some of it is silly. We need to laugh more. I have had about all the negativity I can stand; it is time for a positive revolution. Actions have been believed to speak louder than words, but I believe them both to be equally powerful in their own respects. I choose to use my words in a productive manner. I want to provoke thought and educate those who are willing to learn. When my words fall on deaf ears, that is when my good intentions are misinterpreted. Hearing the phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” makes my skin crawl. I despise that phrase, and I will never endorse it. Words do hurt, and the echoes of hurtful words remain. We should be courteous of other people’s feelings and be mature enough to respectfully agree to disagree in certain instances.
The equally important action part comes into play when as we stand behind the words we say. It is one thing to say we are going to do something, but it is another when we pair actions with our words. Actions and words are closely related, so without one, the other cannot be used in the most effective way. So, be like Kid President. Do not be lame. Be nice. Be meaningful, because being meaningful matters. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017 As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year, I feel it is necessary to address some of the very things he would be rallying against today. The year may have changed, but so much has remained the same. He put great value on equal and civil rights, and while certain aspects of some have been overcome, the fight for complete equality is far from over. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of character. He persisted in his efforts, and he was not quick to quit. Although doing the right thing was not (and is not) the popular thing to do, that did not get in the way of making a difference and starting a movement. Without crossing that thin political line, I am going to try to convey some ideas to think about in the coming transitions of this country. Many changes are going to be coming our way, and now, more than ever, we need to come together in these times of confusion and curiosity. Whether you recognize it or want to believe it is happening, racism is still a real and ongoing thing in America. It may not look like it did during the days of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but the truth of the matter is, it still exists. So, what can we do about it? First, understand what it is like being a minority. Imagine being dropped into a country where the language is different, the cultural norms are different, and the political system is different. Second, move beyond the stereotypes these people acquire as a label. These people did not ask for these labels, and often, they are inaccurate on all fronts. Third, get to know them before you pose judgment on them. It never hurts to ask questions in a genuine way, and by doing this, it forms a relationship. Staying ignorant in your ways sets this country back in its efforts to maintain its status as the melting pot of the world. The United States was founded on principles of belonging, new beginnings, and lasting hope. Since stepping out of the little farm town I grew up in and attending college in a city with a diverse population, I have grown to be more aware of the differences, yet I have accepted these differences. Some of the nicest people I have met have been of different ethnic origins, and honestly, I do not see what the big problem is with this. I do not understand the great cultural divide based on color and creed, and I never will. It is the year 2017, and if we cannot move beyond the amount of pigmentation someone has in their skin or what language is considered native, I have little hope for the future and what it holds. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked to build people up. The poor meant just as much as the rich. Why does money have to dictate what kind of person we are? This boggles my mind. Yes, money is important from an overall economic standpoint, but there is no room for a money discussion to determine friendships and who we can and cannot talk to. I think our priorities as humans have gotten us into half of the mess we are finding ourselves in today. Being the minister Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was, he more than likely preached from the text of Proverbs 14:31, “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors Him.” I can only imagine that his messages of peace and love on Sundays were heard with listening ears and open hearts. I wish I could say the same thing about today’s messages in churches. We get caught up in our own money troubles and turn a blind eye to those hurting, while we are selfishly hoarding money and scoffing at those who are unable to help themselves. People are people who deserve to be treated as such no matter how many digits are found on their bank statement. Be a cheerful giver, and be thankful when you can help, for one day you may be the grateful receiver. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did something for this country, and even though he was persecuted for it, it certainly did not deter him from making the lives better for so many. He showed this country what it meant to be accepting of others and how to stand up to those stomping out every dream he ever had, just because of the color of his skin. It is inspiring to see a new generation in Kid President carrying on the messages of hope and prosperity. He is continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and it excites me to see where Kid President’s kindness movement takes this country. Be nice when it is hard; be genuine when it is hard; be heard when it is hard. Life will always have challenges, but we have the opportunity to help each other through these obstacles. It is about time we start working with each other, instead of working against each other. Be friends with someone who is different from you. Help a young and struggling family who lives in your neighborhood. Simply put, be a nice and genuine person.
I have so many things to hope for in the future, and without us working together, they may never happen. I urge you to join me in picking up where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left off to stand up to the oppressors, fight for what is right, and dream with me. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017 I do not know how many times a small gesture from someone else has turned my day around in a positive way. On these occasions, I feel the need to pay it forward and change someone else’s day for the better. I know I should not feel the need to do it; I should do it before it is prompted by an act towards me. Small acts of kindness go a long way, and it may be the rare sign of affection and belonging a person could ever have. It only takes a couple of extra seconds to hold the door for someone or help an elderly person unload their groceries on the conveyor belt. Sometimes, the best gift a person could receive is not bought, but a kind act to show they were noticed. Rather than waiting for a chain reaction of kindness to occur, as I am guilty of waiting for, we should start our own chain reactions. It does not require special requirements and characteristics to do a good deed for someone. Those least expecting the kindness will have a full heart, and you can walk away knowing you were a blessing. As we move through this year, it is my hope we will join together in spreading hope and happiness. Not everyone has a happy home to come to each day or have a family they even hear from regularly. Regardless of the type of day we are having, chances are, it is far better than another person’s best day. We should go about our days bringing light to a person’s dark day. Be ready and willing to give someone their spotlight of worth. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017 I am ringing in 2017 with a pep talk! With the new year, I am sure resolutions are flying, and some may have already been broken, but one thing is for sure, we have a special task for this year. Kid President is the epitome of positivity and calls us to action. I have often looked to one of his early videos for some extra motivation. It serves as a perfect reminder that we each have something special to offer in this life. My time.
This year, I am going to be mindful of my words and actions. They must go hand in hand, and I have the task to make a difference. It is easy to write these words, but putting actions behind my words can be challenging. I have the unique opportunity to reach new people with open minds to hopefully make a difference. Your time. You have the power to create a great change. Regardless of confidence levels, you have it in you to start a domino effect to change the world. There are infinite possibilities for you to discover within yourself to offer, and you have the task to find where your contribution fits. Our time. When we work together as a collaborative effort, we get more work done, and it may turn into something greater than we ever imagined. These efforts will surely be the positivity and encouragement we so desperately need in the world. Let us come together in 2017 and be the world’s reason to dance. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017 |
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