Strength In Numbers

We’ve found this to be evident all throughout history. Whether it was for a good cause or for a bad cause, “strength in numbers” definitely affected the outcome of each situation. Any time there has been an injustice, policy change, or change in laws, it’s always caused by the majority coming together voicing their opinions. Why is it so affective, “strength in numbers”? Because it’s hard for one single person to overpower a multitude of people. The odds are always better when you have a lot of people supporting or standing up for something, especially when it’s for a good cause or standing up for what is right.

With the recent injustices going on today, there has been a lot of division in our country. Many people are angry, hurt, offended, disgusted and tired of what seems to be an imbalance in our judicial system. There have been protests, riots, looting, and even some injuries due to the intolerance of inequality. Some people believe that the actions of certain groups are causing even more division in America and that it needs to cease. Others believe that the silence behind these injustices are adding even more fuel to the fire. With that being said, what can we do as a whole to bring our divided country back together and heal our land? How can we use our “strength in numbers” for good and not evil?

There are different ways you can look at this question and you may even come up with different answers. I’ve done some soul searching and research myself and I have come up with several suggestions. First, we must start off by acknowledging that there is an issue of racism and injustice in the first place. By acknowledging the problem, we can start working on finding a solution collectively. Second, we must find common ground in our values on equality, opportunity, and society. We must practice inclusion for all races and/or ethnicities and provide a diverse platform where everyone can thrive and grow together. Third, we must recognize everyone’s values and use that as a bridge to connect and not pass over one another. If we focus on the values of one another and blend them all together, we will understand that we are more successful working together than apart. This in turn will give everyone a fair chance all across the board.

We must have these difficult conversations with one another to shed light on systemic hindrances towards equal opportunity and equal justice. Instead of focusing on each individual and what actions brought on their afflictions, we need to educate ourselves on societal circumstances and conditions to help us better understand the background of “why” these situations keep happening. Also, we need to be detailed about the various sources of racial versus socioeconomic inequalities. Racism has a greater impact on people than poverty, high crimes, and broken educational systems. Although they all can coexist, racism has a harsher affect.

Lastly, we should accept and acknowledge our racial and ethnic differences. Understand that each ethnic group has different stereotypes and prejudices based on various social identities. Acknowledge that although we all have our own issues, some races may have more barriers of gaining equality due to the color of their skin and background. If we stop hiding under the covers and realize that with just enough voices we can tear down walls, then and only then will things change. Quit using the excuse that your opinion doesn’t matter or that your voice won’t be heard. As someone once said, “there is strength in numbers, yes, but even more so in collective goodwill. For those endeavors are supported by mighty forces unseen.”