It might sound cheesy, but these two words – love and acceptance mean a world to many. Mainly to those who don’t have luxury of having it. I have a dream of people loving and accepting each other (and also themselves) for being who they are. Accepting others, no matter their religion, skin color, sex or political opinion should be our normalcy, unfortunately, it is not like this everywhere.
Hence, many people fear, hate or simply not accept others only because of variety of differences among us, without trying to understand or get to know each other.
Although Slovakia belongs among well developed countries, acceptance of minorities, foreigners or novelties can be a challenge for some. Recent COVID-19 crisis showed many upsides of Slovaks. While it united many, as almost everyone showed great deal of responsibility and support when it came to overcoming the pandemic either by sewing and distributing face masks, participating on fundraisers, or by behaving responsibly and by supporting those in need. On the other hand, it showed some downsides as well, and it was a powerful weapon in hands of those trying to misuse the pandemic either to limit access to basic human rights or to build their personal brand while doing it.
The pandemic and economic shakedown affects the weakest and the poorest the most and those who are from segregated and excluded communities suffer much more than we do, we, who were born into living in the majority.
Not only the best comes on the surface in times of crisis, but also the worst surfaces. In case of Slovakia, the most endangered groups are homeless people, single mothers and Roma communities, who were facing discrimination either on the labor market or in the society in general, even before the pandemic and with rising unemployment and growing tensions due to COVID-19, their position might weaken even more.
Not only government can help. It is You, Me, your neighbour or any other stranger on the street. It is our mission. It’s up to every single one of us. We can make lives of others better every day. Either by standing up for the poor, discriminated, endangered, or by supporting and helping those in need.
But the first step is always the same, simply love and accept everyone, no matter what’s going on. Differences make us unique, they make us stronger, they bring us together and help us overcome any challenge which might come in the future.
Slovakia 