Editor,
Why is there so much separation? Each day, I walk out of my dormitory to start another day. I walk all around UNM, dine at La Posada, engage in frequent dormitory antics, attend parties, and spend a great deal of time observing people.
From my experience, humanity brings me joy and feels great to be involved in, but there is a trend I find disconcerting - our continual tendency to produce psychological and conceptual separations between ourselves and others.
For example, I watch the wealthy discriminate against the poor as if their lack of financial success is a sign of incompetence. Different religious groups mock each other for differences in morals while simultaneously condemning those who claim no religion. Different ethnic groups speak against discrimination but continue to condone stereotypical statements. Academic groups can't seem to understand why some have no desire for higher education, while the uneducated presume the latter to be conceited.
Upstanding citizens shake their heads at partiers, while druggies think that straight-edge people need to get lives. The drama that takes place within the UNM student government is worse than Oprah Winfrey's show. Sports fans get into fights over partialities, and nations go to war over conflicts of interest. It all boils down to selfishness. Is this trend really necessary for us to find contentment as individuals, groups or nations?
Common sense would dictate otherwise. We are, after all, a species that learns largely through social interaction.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Although it is nearly impossible to live a life without conflict, I believe that the aspect of socialization that ultimately leads to our happiness is good-natured interaction with those around us. Creating unnecessary drama is not conducive to loving interaction and, in turn, counteractive to our pursuit of happiness. Historical figures such as Jesus, Gandhi and Bob Marley have gained much admiration because they preached and lived the golden rule. In summary, I believe it would be very beneficial for everyone to take a closer look at the words of Chet Powers: "C'mon people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now."
Emanual Storey
UNM student
