On Racism and Discrimination by Minh Tan

To put it plainly,
We are all different, you and I, in what we are,
But we are not unique in who we are.
However, the true beauty in us is our depth,
Far deep down, we are all the same.

We are all people from our own cultures and lands,
But can we not all be friends?
We all speak in our own languages,
But do we not preach parallel messages?
We all sing harmonious melodies,
But together, do we not hum universal medleys?

We all teach different virtues,
But can we not all share common values?
We all recite our visions,
But do we not all tell of our inspirations?
We all strive for our own stars up high,
But do we not all reach for the sky?

We all adore our own lovers,
But can we not all love each other, too?
We all live here, there and everywhere,
But can we not all exist together?
We are all men, women and children of diverse origins,
But are we not all human?

So why is it that some of us treat certain others differently?
Why are some forced to obey the rules of a different game?
Is that all life is to some of us, a game?
Unfortunately, some people’s answer would put us to shame.
But it does not have to be that way,
Can we not, you and I, make a change for the better,
Everyday?