It's high time we stop labelling people and start treating PEOPLE as PEOPLE - PERIOD. Whether we are black, white, yellow, red, Hispanic, English, German or Muslim, in the end we are ALL just people - end of story.
But sadly, even in today's day and age, that's rarely the case.
I guess that's why it bothers me when I hear of stories like this - whether intended or not - that appear to separate or not be all inclusive of certain segments of the population.
Most recently I read about a boycott and threats in regards to a big event being planned at Legoland in London, England. Reportedly, a large Muslim group of about 1,000 people - made up of families with children - had booked the facility which includes a hotel for a family fun day. Great! I'm guessing it would be the perfect spot to host such an event. What kid wouldn't like a day at Legoland? Perfect family atmosphere...
So that's not where the problem arises.
Instead of having a "family fun day," organizers for whatever reason apparently opted to call it "Muslim Fun Day"...
And they wonder why they get opposition....
Needless to say, the big day was cancelled amidst threats, nasty phone calls and negative feedback. No doubt Legoland management was also left disappointed at the loss of a big event.
Why, oh WHY then, did they have to choose the name it Muslim Fun Day? Why didn't Family Fun Day suffice? Or at the very least, why not call it a private family function? Maybe it's nit picky but there's just something about the "Muslim" tag that's separating and offensive.
Would people stand for it if Legoland had announced a "White Fun Day"? I think not.
Legoland is regretful and claims misinformation was circulated. "We are appalled at what has occurred, and at the fact that the real losers in this are the many families and children who were looking forward to an enjoyable day out at Legoland," a company statement said. And that's true. It's time to stop with the labels and start with human compassion. Then things like this would be avoided. We are all one in this crazy world, why not accept that and carry on?
"Imagine there's no countries. It isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for. And no religion too. Imagine all the people, Living life in peace. You may say that I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll join us... And the world will be as one" - John Lennon ... Imagine that, smart words...
