Punitive Society

This week I was listening to the radio, and they were talking about the passing of the young Glee actor- Cory Montieth. This young man died from alcohol and drug-related causes. It's kind of sad to lose another young man to substance abuse. The radio host was sharing some of the remarks and words said by family and friends during the memorial service. After he was done, he expressed comments that I thought were degrading and offensive. I can't quote all his comments but he couldn't understand the reason for the remarks because this young man "was just a junkie".

Does someone that has substance abuse issues stops being human? Is their dignity vanished with the effect of the drugs? Do their good qualities depreciate as a result of the substance abuse? Are they not deserving of a dignified farewell from this world? 

I have never used drugs, not even see them. I never had to say 'No to Drugs' because I was never asked. I had treated and treat people with substance abuse, and I had family members who struggled with the issue. Let's don't forget that someone that dies or suffers from substance abuse is someone's child, someone's brother, someone's father or mother, someone that means the world to another person. 

Society is full of hypocrisy, by trying to make others believe that they are accepted no matter what. We live in a punitive and judgmental society, and that only brings division, resentment, anger and pain. Why do we feel we have the right to judge others? What is our level of arrogance to believe that we are above the issue? Shouldn't we treat others like we want to be treated?

When are we going to stop being so judgmental about someone else's issues? It's so easy to point fingers when we are not emotionally invested in the situation. We don't have to agree or approve the matter to be able to show empathy and respect. 

On another note, I just heard this morning of the Tweeter war bashing Marc Anthony for singing God Bless America at the Major League All Stars Game, because "he wasn't American enough". How does American enough looks like? He was born in New York city, so this is not only about being born in continental USA. Is this concealed racism? When Celine Dion sang it, they didn't question her "Americanism". Nobody wants to be called a racist, but its very hard to find another label for this war of words. 

Society seems to be moving backwards. We put more emphasis in looks, than in values. It's sad and difficult to raise children in a society that is so toxic, and that creates division and segregation depending on your looks, place of birth, your weight, your religion, your skin color and many other senseless reasons. We talk so much about human rights that we don't have the time to put them into practice. 

Before you put judgement on another person, put yourself in their shoes. Stop and think, if this was my son, brother or daughter will I think the same way? We could do better, and we will when we start seeing and treating each other as humans. Let's help heal wounds, instead of opening new ones. This is a country built on differences, lets don't allow those to separate us. 

"Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world". 

We have the power to create change and unite...what will it take for you to start moving?