American Icon- Peace
Lula Richardson
I stood in front of a ocean of people, trembling with anxiety, clenching the piece of paper I had rehearsed a hundred times. I had always been shy and so when I decided to write and present a speech to nearly five hundred people it wasn't an easy task. The topic was peace, a concept most of my fellow sixth graders found insignificant. I took on the challenge and wrote about what peace really meant to me. I believe it started off “peace isn't a sign, nor a dove, nor tie dye. It is much greater than that. What peace means to me is equality, it is unity, it is love.” and I went on to explain what that all meant. I did it for a couple reasons, first off I wanted to break through my awkward shell, I wanted to challenge myself, but most of all the topic of the assembly was truly inspiring to me.
Peace was something I was raised with. I live in a liberal household that did not support war. My parents’ beliefs naturally transcended upon me. The idea of peace always seemed so simple and obvious as a child. As I got older I was exposed to more information about this our world. Most of which was the cruel nature of humans. Peace became a lot more complicated. I was confused. If it’s human nature to make war and conflict then why were all the people I've met so peaceful and kind? I came to the conclusion that the peaceful people were often left voiceless as the corrupt ruled the planet. This was a devastating thing to discover about the world you once thought was so beautiful. This is why when I learned about the peace movements in the 1970s I was so intrigued.
The peace movements was specifically about the vietnam war, however I think it was even more significant. The anti war movement was a beautiful example of claiming our America. Our country was founded on pursuit of happiness and democracy. It was intended for the people who lived there. When the people of the 1970s saw this great tragedy our country was committing they did something about it. The fundamental ideals of our nation have been corrupted. It would have been easier for them to sit in silence, but they stood up and claimed their voice.
Many people think that since america isn't directly involved in a war right now we are at peace. As I once said peace is complicated. Its equality, its unity, and its love, and I don't believe by any means this describes our country. We live in a country controlled by corporations and owned by the 1%. We live in a country of factory farming. We live in a country that discriminates. Though many people don't see it, we don't live in peace. Many people will comply or even be blinded to these tragedies. I connect to the peace movements in the 70’s because I will claim a voice if one isn't given to me.
I direct my life toward peace everyday in small ways. I avoid buying food and clothing from big corporations selling us cheap, synthetic, unhealthy, and environmentally irresponsible products made from cheap labor and reaping the profits; stealing the money from the people. Instead I buy locally. I don't eat meat. I don't support a industry who would rather save a few dollars while creatures of our planet are treated like objects and subjected to cruel and unnecessary torture. I contribute, I lend a helping hand whether it's volunteering or being someone to talk to. I try to conduct myself in a way that only improves this planet, if even only in the smallest ways.
If everyone conducted themselves in this manner the world would be a lot closer to peace, but the sad truth is that they probably won't. It's up to the people who are awake to the truth. I plan on taking action to bring the world closer to peace.