Facing fears…

The other day, I saw this video [embedded below] posted on Facebook. It made question fears of human by humans. I truly want to know why people fear other people. People of different races, religions, sexual orientation. What has happened to you that your fear has turned into some innate sense of hatred towards others. Because I can say, with a clear heart, that I don’t hate people due to their race, religion, and sexual orientation. But I will dislike you because of your character… don’t get it twisted.

So this made me think of the things that I fear and why it’s manifested into something so deep:

Heights – it’s the sense of not having some part of your body, a part capable of providing safety or control, loose and unstable. I don’t mind flying as I’m surrounded by something that allows my hands and feet to be firmly planted, but roller coasters, clear glass elevators, clear staircases, balconies, sky diving…. some of me, or all of me, has no real control of protection.

People who are walking fast though everyone else is walking at a normal pace – for example, you know when you’re in a crowded area and out of nowhere someone starts power walking, essentially barreling into you and others . That scares me because I sense they know something we [the other walkers] don’t know. What are they running from and why aren’t we aware?

Gaggle of small creatures – this can include anything from mice to ants to groupings of small children. There’s power in numbers, so when there’s one of you and 20, 40, even 100 of them… you’re screwed. Just lay there and call it a day.

Talking to people – some of you are probably thinking,”You’re so outgoing!” Yes and no. Meeting people makes me nervous, having to converse with them makes it worse. My mind starts racing, my body overheats, words come out in a jumble that sound like a stutter, and I sweat profusely.

But my fears don’t surround a race of people, which makes me question why many fear people of color. Is it because of what is seen on the news, what you were told as a child that stuck with you into adulthood, from your own personal issues not allowing you to see truth, something that has happened to you…. what? To be completely honest, shouldn’t I, as a black woman be afraid a white man will shoot me up in school or in church, will sexually assault me with his friends and share it via text, will mock me for not having the right clothes or different hair? Because I don’t, and neither should you.

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, I ask you to face your fears towards people. Say hello to someone you would look away from, strike up a conversation with a group you’ve been avoiding, think before you spew words of hate. The interaction may not go as you’d hoped, but don’t give up. Continue working towards clearing your own biases, and being fearless in show others the light. Basically, don’t let your fears become complacency towards others.

I promise to even try to face a fear everyday for the remainder of this month.