What Does it Take to be a Decent Human Being?

It costs nothing to be a decent human being. 

You most likely read that in your head, but this time I want you to say it out loud. Repeat after me: It costs nothing to be a decent human being. 

I have heard this statement so much in my life, and it is one of the truest statements that I have ever heard. I mean think about how much money you have spent simply by smiling at someone or considering their feelings. The truth is if you just think about it, you'll see that being a decent human is really just the bare minimum. 

Something so simple as a smile could trigger a chain of events that can change more than one person's day.

After reading this I want you to make a creative piece based on what makes you a decent human being. It doesn't have to be big; it could be something so simple as holding open the door for someone or helping a neighbor carry in their groceries. 

Whatever it is that makes you a decent human being express that using your choice of medium. After you've expressed yourself, reflect on it. Ask yourself, "What new things can I do that will continue to make me a decent human being?"

Remember it really does cost nothing.  

T. Neal | Cambridge, MD 


Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org. 

 

Anti-Racism Resources | Funds to support

We must all continue to hold each other accountable in dismantling and ending white supremacy so that we can all dream, build, and flourish in the loving, just systems we deserve. We call upon our white and non-Black community members to show up, educate themselves and each other, and listen and support Black people. Anti-racist work and ending anti-Blackness is our responsibility.

Funds to Support

If you can donate, here are places to support:

Anti-Racism Resources

Reading List

  • How the U.S Got It's Police Force (Article), Time Magazine, Olivia Waxman, May 18, 2017

  • Torture Trees: Police Violence from Chicago to the War on Terror by Laurence Ralph

  • How to be Anti Racist by Ibram Kendi

  • Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis

  • The Case for Reparations (Article) by Ta-Nehisi Coates

  • Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge /Article Version in The Guardian

  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

  • White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo

  • The Substance of Hope by Jelani Cobb

  • Your Silence will not Protect You (Essays) by Audre Lourde

  • Charleston Syllabus: Readings on Race, Racism, and Racial Violence, Editor: Chad Williams

Children's books:

  • Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

  • Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano

Black Wellness Resources

Here is a list wellness resources here for you that may be helpful, prioritizing resources created by and for Black people. #BlackLivesMatter