Over the years, I’ve known some people who can be thoughtless and heartless, no matter how hard you try to put yourselves out there for them, especially where your respect to them concerns. I’ve had my fair share of that experience and I’m not ashamed to say this, but I will not put myself out there for those who feel it’s okay to take others for granted, have a go at those who are trying to respect and help them and I will most certainly not put my neck on the line for some people who think it’s okay to treat me like I’m something they’ve trodden in.
Why do I have every right to feel like this? Because I am sick to death of those who think and believe it’s okay to act like they’re clever, like they are on top of their game, thinking they’re it as well as thinking that they’re better than everyone else. Well for those who believe they can be like that towards me, no matter how much respect I give, no matter how much I care, well I can say this. You’re not clever, you’re a fool and the only way you can gain respect is if you respect me and everyone the same.
I’ve had to put up with those who think it’s alright to act like they’re worth more than others. I’ve had to put up with some people judging me and everyone else by the way we choose to look. I’ve had to put up with the fact there are some people who feel it’s okay to not care a damn about those who want to do well in life. Well I can tell you one thing, life is worse off for those who have to make the problems when they are making more problems for themselves than for those around them.
I’ve had some negative comments being directed at me by some which I’ve usually risen above from, but sometimes I’ve had the occasional negative comment that can make me feel down that I can sometimes take to heart, but at the end of the day, I’m better than those who think it’s okay to treat me like I’m something that they’ve trodden in.
At the end of the day, if you take those around you for granted and you don’t give them respect and treat them with the respect that they want, then that proves you haven’t really lived.
The art of communication from my perspective has gone out of the window due to the advancing amount of technology nowadays and my generation are not going out and socialising as often as before, no thanks to video-games overruling and brainwashing those who get shot of the first violent video game that catches their eye and not only that, but even I feel embarrassed of those who try to criticise me at the first opportunity because I don’t like playing the type of video-games that are violent.
For example, with Grand Theft Auto, I have never owned the game in my household and I always used to be asked the same question: “Why do you not have that game?“, to which I reply: “Because it brainwashes and teaches those who play how to commit a crime.” Even at this stage, I was told by some that it doesn’t, but it’s their word against reality and it’s also my word against them. I would rather play a video-game that isn’t violent at all, but is joyful, but one that won’t annoy me and make me kick up a fuss to the point where I end up leaving a lasting negative impact on those around me.
I believe in making peace, not violence. Violence is like drawing blood, once it all kicks off, that’s when you have to run, whether you like it or not. Making peace is what brings us all together and I believe that making peace is what will help mend any damage that has been done. As it’s always been said. Less said. Soon is mended.
I believe that the more that we all communicate face-to-face with one another, the better. But back to the real focus of this article, I feel that the more we take each other for granted, the more under-appreciated we will see ourselves, as well as in each other and to all those around us.
I mean, come on, we’ve all had our fair share of bad moments in life from where we have seen some people who have gone off the rails and messed up their own lives and futures, even I have seen it for myself, but it doesn’t hurt to try and work that extra hard to be communicative and more respectful towards one another.
I believe in respect, equality and diversity all the way and I know for a fact if you cannot be diverse towards one another and be equal towards one another, whether it’s to do with how a person feels, what sexuality they are, mind over matter of the person who they choose to be, including whether they want to change or do something good with their lives, then life isn’t worth living.
Equality, Diversity and Respect are the three things I look for in a person and if I notice something that’s not right about that person, for instance, how they treat the people around them, as well as how respectful they are, including how diverse and equal they make themselves out to be, then I keep my distance and I don’t approach them in the event they say something or do something that may be life-changing, or even something that may potentially put the lives of others, including mine in danger. I’m not trying to be judgmental about it, so you can be forgiven for thinking that, but I would rather someone treat me and everyone else with the full respect, equality and diversity where possible, rather than someone treat me and everyone else the complete opposite.
To be honest, I couldn’t care less if anyone thinks I am waffling on, but at the end of the day, I am entitled to a freedom of speech where this is concerned because I have a right to tell everyone how I really feel. I am also entitled to my own rights in life the same as everyone else and at the end of the day, if that cannot be accepted, then I don’t see why anyone should think life isn’t worth living.
From my perspective, life really is worth living and we can all make sure that life for all of us is really worth living by communicating with one another face-to-face with respect. Another way we can all make sure our lives are really worth living is to step away from all technology where possible and get our backsides out and start socialising more. All those people who call themselves gangs are not really gangs, it’s just a group of troublemakers who are willing to hurt those around them and it’s those kind of people who shouldn’t be allowed on our streets.
Last night, I felt the need to make myself clear to everyone by writing this:
“I have my own way of life, including the path I’ve chosen by myself. If you don’t like that, get used to it because I’m not going to change.” – Alex Smithson
I decided enough was enough and I wanted everyone to know where I stand, including that I won’t change at all even if anyone expects me to. After all, I am standing up for what I believe in and I will be myself and I won’t change. I chose to write this as I wanted to prove that I’m grown up enough to accept other people who won’t change, but to let everyone else know that I won’t change either. In other words, I wanted to be the grown-up man and say this in a mature context so that it wouldn’t be taken the wrong way at all.
All I want and all I ask for is that full respect is given to me and everyone else, that’s including everyone else being equal and diverse, because respect, equality and diversity are the three key signs I look for in everyone and if I don’t see all three, that’s including not seeing all three but just one key, then it’s those kind of people I will not talk to and will instead distance myself from, because at least I will be able to know who to talk to and who to not talk to.
I’ve said this as I want everyone to have respect, equality and diversity for one another, that’s all I want. I will always show respect, equality and diversity towards everyone because that’s how I am towards everyone, and I shall continue to be respectful, equal and diverse towards everyone no matter what.
If you feel and agree that respect, equality and diversity should be the three key signs that everyone should have in life, then please feel free to submit feedback. All feedback is much appreciated.
Alex Smithson
