Acceptance: Full article by Hannah Burnett
Acceptance
By Hannah Burnett
I am an outcast at Urbana High School. Not because of my race. Not because of my age. Not because of where I came from in the world. Not because of the clothes that I wear. Not because the shoes on my feet. Not because of my size. Not because of my academic status. I am an outcast because of my faith–what I believe. I am an outcast because of my actions based on these things.
I am told that UHS is one of the best schools in the terms of acceptance and bullying. While this may be true, it is only true in certain cases. For anyone who is of a different race, for those with disabilities, for those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or for anyone who is a feminist, this is school is completely safe. But what about the 16 year old, European-American, Christian, girl? I have had people talk about me behind my back and I have had jokes made about me. I have gotten left out of party invitations and out of groups, and when I sat at lunch with a group, there were many days when I thought that those I was sitting with didn’t even notice I was there. I have been ostracized because I am not afraid to speak up when I think something is inappropriate or unnecessary.
Contrary to popular belief, most Christians are not stuck up religious freaks who condemn those who are not Christian. While there are a few who may do this, most Christians are very accepting and understanding, because as humans, we make mistakes too, and are not perfect. I listen to the same music as most of you. I wear the same clothes. And I do most of the same things. I just don’t believe the same things as you.
I believe that abortion is wrong, and that the death penalty is just. I believe that guns are good. I believe that our society needs a total makeover. I believe that everyone was made with a purpose. I believe that people have vast possibilities they they never considered, mostly good. I might not like people sometimes, but I love people and I would never condemn anyone.
Maybe you have never thought of this, and maybe you have, and just don’t care. Maybe you didn’t want to stand against the crowd. Or maybe you, like me, just didn’t know how to speak up, or were scared that no one would hear you, that you couldn’t change anything. But I have learned enough to know that one person speaking out could change an environment very much, so here it is.
Accept me, don’t just tolerate me, accept me. Don’t roll your eyes when I speak about what I believe, listen–just as I would do for you. Don’t take the name of the Lord in vain. Please don’t swear. I wont say “That’s gay” or “That’s retarded” if you wont swear or say “JESUS CHRIST” or “Oh my God” when you are angry.
For those of you who want to change this school to make it a better place for everyone, start with a new cause, one that hasn’t been overdone. While those causes are important, more people accept them, and those who don’t probably never will. Stand with me, because I believe this school can be a safe place for everyone, but we have to try, and we have to accept everyone. Not just different races, different sexual orientations, different mental states, or different stances on women’s rights, but different religions and belies. We learn from and with each other, but you have to accept me as I am, and I will do the same for you. I wont try to change you, but I will love you as you are.
About The Author
Amen, sister! I dont go to your school, but God Bless and stay strong!
Hannah,
I am very sorry if you feel you have been bullied due to your religious or political beliefs. That is wrong, and UHS should not tolerate bullying of any form. You have the right to believe what you believe but I think people take offense at the way you go about expressing your views. I know of several instances where you have told gay students that their sexuality will land them in hell and that is extremely hurtful and distasteful. While I respect your right to your beliefs, I will not stand for the types of intolerance you have promoted at this school. Jesus spoke of loving thy neighbor and accepting those who are ostracized by society. As a Christian myself, I expect no different from you.
Alison,
I don’t know where you get your information from, but either someone told you something wrong, or you misheard me. I have never told anyone that they were going to Hell. I have always simply stated what I believed, nothing more. I apologise if you or anyone else believes that I have told anyone that they are going to Hell, but I have never and would never tell someone that. I love all people as Jesus did, and I would NEVER promote intolerance or outcasting someone.
Again, I apologise if you have heard anything contrary to what I have said. You do not have to believe me, but I hope that you will, as I have no reason to lie to you or to anyone else.