Dr. Maya Angelou Reflects on Working Toward Peace
There is a natural, slow temperament in the body of those
who are not themselves being harassed, imprisoned, segregated,
or abused. And there is a rapid temperament which inhabits
those who are aware of social and political discrepancies,
whether those discrepancies affect their own condition or
not.
The fact that people become heroes and sheroes can be credited
to their ability to identify and empathize with "the
other." These men and women could continue to live
quite comfortably with their slow temperament, but they
chose not to. They make the decision to be conscious of
the other-the homeless and the hopeless, the downtrodden
and oppressed. Heroism has nothing to do with skin color
or social status. It is a state of mind and a willingness
to act for what is right and just.
If we don't say enough about these heroes-those who went
before us and acted in a heartful way-our young people will
be discouraged from trying to do what is right. It is important
to claim as part of our
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