I Am a White Male, and I Am Not Afraid

American flag (Photo – imagefully.com),

I am not afraid of the woman who accuses me. I am not afraid of the black man confronting me. I am not afraid of the immigrant seeking to live near me. I am not afraid of neighbors practicing a belief different from mine. I am not afraid of another seeking opportunities as an equal. I am not afraid of laws and customs that govern me and others equally.

By Glenn Storm

I am not afraid of the idea that the society I live in is diverse, complex and challenging at times, because I know that all improvement comes from change, and therefore, change is not inherently evil.

I am not afraid of civil discourse. I am not afraid of dissent. I am not afraid of protest. I am not afraid to hear and listen to others who wish to say something different. I am not afraid to be in the minority. I am not afraid of being wrong.

I am not afraid of inclusion. I am not afraid of compromise. I am not afraid of sacrifice. I am not afraid of cooperation. I am not afraid of good-faith efforts to make the collective experience better for all.

I am not afraid to step forward, out of the comfort zones of the past, and into the unknown future because with my intent to welcome others, I gain strength in numbers. I am not afraid to call all those who are likewise accepting of others my ally, my friend, my family, and part of my community.

I am not afraid to be an American.

Glenn Storm is one of our cartoonists, and he has something to say.