United we stand

Superman and heart-shaped balloons at Printemps, Paris.

 

 

It's my birthday and beautiful messages and phone calls have been pouring in all day...more thoughtful gestures than for every year I've been alive (and that's saying something)! Thank you; you've made me feel like a Superhero! Thank you for helping make my birthday so special.

And of course tomorrow is a big day that we remember for reasons far too painful. We mourn the great loss of those who tragically died at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. They were from different countries and different faiths, all victims of a madman's hate.

While clearing out files and bookcases this week, I came across the Southern Poverty Law Center's Community Response Guide "Ten Ways to Fight Hate." As there are a lot of misguided and uninformed people out there - including certain media figures - trying to muddy the waters, I thought we might all benefit from these ideas:

Act. Do something. In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance - by the perpetrators, the public and worse, the victims. Decent people must take action. If we don't, hate persists.

Unite. Call a friend or a co-worker. Organize allies from churches, schools, clubs and other civic groups. Create a diverse coalition, including children, police and the media. Gather ideas from everyone and get everyone involved.

Support the victims. Hate-crime victims are especially vulnerable, fearful and alone. If you're a victim, report every incident - in detail - and ask for help. If you learn about a hate-crime victim in your community, show support. Let victims know you care. Surround them with comfort and protection.

Do your homework. An informed campaign improves its effectiveness. Determine if a hate group is involved and research its symbols and agenda. Understand the difference between a hate crime and a bias incident.

Create an alternative. Find an outlet for anger and frustration and for people's desire to do something. Hold a unity rally or parade to draw media attention away from hate.

Speak up. Hate must be exposed and denounced. Help news organizations achieve balance and depth. Do not debate hate-group members in conflict-driven forums. Instead, speak up in ways that draw attention away from hate, toward unity.

Lobby leaders. Elected officials and other community leaders can be important allies in the fight against hate. But some must overcome reluctance - and others, their own prejudices - before they're able to take a stand.

Look long-range. Promote tolerance and address bias before another hate crime can occur. Expand your community's comfort zones, so you can learn and live together.

Teach tolerance. Bias is learned early, usually at home. Schools can offer lessons of tolerance and acceptance. Sponsor an "I have a dream" contest in which students envision an ideal community. Reach out to young people who may be susceptible to hate-group propaganda and prejudice.

Dig deeper. Look inside yourself for prejudices and stereotypes. Build your own cultural competency, then keep working to expose discrimination wherever it happens: in housing, employment, education and more.

If not us, then who?

Comments

[Jim]

Hi Tara! Belated Happy Birthday! I hope you had a good one. Your blog is very interesting. I love the Superman pictures above. It really does feels good when you know many people cares for you. I’m very happy for you! Hope you have more birthdays to come!

Thank you for sharing the “Ten Ways to Fight Hate.” I believe people should be aware of this to lessen crimes and violence. This could be very helpful to many people who are suffering from hatred. I’m glad that I came across your site. I really enjoyed reading your blog. I hope I can continue to see more of your posts!

[christina]

how did i miss this day?? sad of me. happy belated birthday, my friend.
i miss you very much.
xo

[amber]

Gosh! I'm sorry I missed your day, Tara, because LADY YOU ARE WONDERFUL! I hope it treated you right. :) Love you soooo much!
Have a beautiful year. You BLESS the world by being in it.

:)

[Joan O'Connor]

Belated but full-hearted... Happy Birthday and a marvelous year to you, Tara! ox, Joan

[Carla]

Hope you have a fabulous birthday. And a wonderful list.

[Bobbi French]

Happy Birthday to you! I have been reading you (winding cyberspace road from Xpatadventures to your webdoor) as I'm moving to France on Monday to seek my own adventure (long story) and I thought I'd wish you well on the day of you. I always think it's fun to get birthday wishes from complete strangers. Anyway, lovely blog, celebrate you today and everyday...

Bobbi
www.findingmeinfrance.com

[Mary H.]

A day late and a dollar short per usual...belated birthday wishes to you Tara! Thank you for all your posts, insights, photos, and general just plain good deeds. We are better because of Paris Parfait and because you have made us think and act....

[Helen]

Belated happy birthday! I hope it was lovely and best wishes for many happy returns of the day!

[Marilyn]

Happy Birthday dear Tara! Thanks for this list. Tolerance is something we must all remember.

[RD]

Oh, so late am I in wishing you a happy, joyous birthday! It's now the day AFTER and I hope the memories are sweet! Happy New Year, Tara.

[Stephanie]

Happy Happy Birthday Tara!! Here's to many many more years...

Thank you always for your words and thoughts.

x..x
steph

[gillian]

So happy your birthday was loaded with good wishes and love for you!
Love your advice up there...timeless, effective, now if we could all just do it....
xoxo

[Leau]

This along with yesterday's post prove that you da bomb! Thanks for making me think, on your birthday, of ways to make my small corner of the world a better place for all. smooches!!!