Racism is a topic of great focus lately, with the news full of conflict among peoples observing an ostensible racial divide that has created a lot of agitation among residents of Florida. The subject is not one that is limited to Florida, or the USA, for that matter. This is an on-going global phenomenon.

Racism and Conflict in Florida Today

Racism is a topic of great focus lately, with the news full of conflict among peoples observing an ostensible racial divide that has created a lot of agitation among residents of Florida. The subject is not one that is limited to Florida, or the USA, for that matter. This is an on-going global phenomenon.

In many parts of the world, racism, prejudice and intolerance are a constant reminder of the lack of peace and harmony amongst people across the planet.  It is an unfortunate truism that one group and their leaders  will use racism , prejudice and intolerance as potent weapons to foster fear, anxiety  or hatred among people, and use this to create conflict, or to advance or enhance their  own agenda for power and control.  

One can observe this in reading reports in the media, and track how the lack of harmony in areas of our community, state, nation and planet, makes life and living an on-going source of disharmony, sadness, pain and other negative emotions. 

Unfortunately, one group’s use of racism, prejudice and gross intolerance can grow conflict into conflagration. This has, in the past, lead to mayhem, lawlessness, disruption of lives and families, and in the extreme, genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes.

On a global scale, this issue can be addressed and improved by raising the awareness of these issues and to counter-balance them with a resounding demand for human rights. Note that the first article of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, generated and agreed to by most all nations of the earth, affirms that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." 

Recently, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal.

Beyond a single day dramatizing the need for greater freedom and tolerance, the truth is that the banner of Human Rights needs to fly planet-wide, and every day of the year.

Racial and ethnic discrimination, intolerance and prejudice occurs every day, impeding millions of people around the world from living a better life, even if that better life means a lack of fear and anxiety over one’s basic appearance, ethnicity or other characteristics that may color them or their group as a target for oppression. This can manifest in many ways, from denying individuals the basic principles of equality to creating ethnic hatred that may lead to serious crimes against individuals or groups of human beings. The struggle against intolerance, prejudice and racism is a matter of priority for the all who seek a better civilization where we all can live with greater freedom. 

So, it becomes incumbent upon all of us to seek a level playing field; actually a playing field that is elevated to a higher degree of understanding, tolerance and harmony. 

Significant steps can be taken to achieve this end by gaining a strong awareness of Human Rights, and working toward a world of peace and tolerance and harmony, by implementing many of the very basic tenets set forth in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

Youth for Human Rights Florida is a chapter of Youth for Human Rights International, which was inspired by the words of L. Ronald Hubbard: “the human rights must be a fact, not just an idealistic dream”. This is a secular non-profit organization with the purpose to educate people on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights so they become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace. The uniqueness of the program lies in its educational materials. Their educational materials include youth-designed video of the 30 Human Rights, along with the award-winning music video UNITED - a street-savvy, multi-ethnic, five minute film in 15 languages - conveying the power of human rights awareness.