Gay pride. Straight Pride. White Pride. Black Pride. And on and on and on. Now, today, it appears that Abercrombie and Fitch are under fire because one of their employees tweeted “The PRIDE community is everybody, not just LGBTQ people.”
There are, of course, many interpretations that could be made about this statement. The merchandiser at heart would say, “That employee was trying to reach out to as many people as possible so that they could sell, sell, sell.” The straight people would say, “Who is this person that they are including ‘those kind’ of people in with us?!” The LGBTQ people are stating that such an inclusive statement takes away something that very much belongs to them.
As I said in my header, “Can’t we all just get along?”
I know that there are many differences between all sorts of groups of people. Some are differentiated because of their sexual orientation. Some, because of their religion. Some, because of their color. Some, because of their political party. Some because of their nationality. Some . . . well, I think you get my point.
We have got to quit separating everybody out. That does not mean that we have to endorse what different people/groups do or say or believe. However, we have all been raised — or should have been raised — to have respect for all people.
Just because someone holds a particular believe or attitude does not merit hatred.
I would like to see one day — just one day! — go by and hear nothing about a hate crime or war or persecutions anywhere in the world. One day of total, absolute peace and love.
If that day could ever happen, it would be the end of prejudice, bigotry, and hatred because, if that day truly did happen, all people would say, “I want more of that.” One day would lead to two. Two would lead to three. Then, we would be “living the dream” that the Lord had for us when He said, “I pray, Father, that they would all be one. As you are in me and I in you. I pray that they may be one that their joy may be compete.”