avatarSylvia Wohlfarth

Summary

The web content presents a reflective poem and accompanying prose on the theme of equality, advocating for nurturing this value from childhood through love, dialogue, and education.

Abstract

The poem titled "The Simplicity of Equality" delves into the author's struggle with the concept of equality amidst a world fraught with injustice. Initially, the poet's thoughts were clouded by anger and a focus on inequality, leading to a poem filled with the pain of disparity. However, through introspection and the guiding perspective of love, the poet realizes that equality is fundamentally simple and can be cultivated from infancy. The poem emphasizes the importance of early conversations about diversity, the wisdom of parental role models, and the power of education in fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. It suggests that by teaching children to question stereotypes, embrace trust, and engage in open dialogue, society can combat ignorance and intolerance. The author, Sylvia, a social anthropologist and intercultural dialogue facilitator, uses her multicultural background and experiences to advocate for the marginalized and promote understanding across differences.

Opinions

  • The poet initially struggled with anger and a sense of injustice when contemplating equality, which was reflected in their creative work.
  • Love is presented as a guiding force that can transform one's perspective from anger to understanding, highlighting the simplicity of equality.
  • Early childhood is identified as a crucial period for instilling values of equality and respect for diversity through parental guidance and dialogue.
  • The poem suggests that education should focus on teaching critical thinking to challenge clichés and stereotypes.
  • The author believes that fostering a dialogue of trust, active listening, and praise can shield against ignorance and intolerance.
  • Sylvia's personal background as a half-Irish, half-Nigerian woman living in Ireland after spending 42 years in Germany informs her commitment to raising awareness about social injustices.
  • The author advocates for the importance of nurturing equality and kindness within society for the common good.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

EQUAL PEOPLE: THE POETRY EDITION

The Simplicity of Equality

The Joy Of Equality

This poem is a part of “Equal People,” Our Human Family’s anthology of international poetry on equality and inclusivity.

I like your writing, she wrote me — so, please, go and write a poem on equality

And, so I began to think — and I thought so hard that by the time I started my images of life and equality had distorted, and my mind typed into my fingers words and sentences of darkening clouds and I wandered into the world as it is — the world of the unjust — and an ‘in-’ docked on to my equality poem and I ranted into the caverns of in-equality and wrote a poem on the pained and the tasked

But in retrospection, I wondered if I could turn this tide of anger and find a balance to uplift my poem “What would, Love, do here?” I asked “Would she cry, like I?”

No — instead she gently nudged me to ponder what it was I was missing which blinded me from seeing equality in its simplicity? My mind, I realised lacked the dialogue which Love has wrapped around her heart And so, I thought again and picked up my pen and wandered back to the source to restart Inequality, I mused, would be simple to squash if germinating at a mother’s breast/or the bottle the wisdom of words and a love inbred were equally shared in the parental role model

Have the conversation with our kids when they sprout before their minds become perfused with the venom of discrimination — Explain the wonders of us humans and nature — forever entwined to be nurtured and loved This, without doubt is a child’s foundation

Yes, dear, there is a difference in skin colour Just like Jenny wears glasses and Johnny’s hair’s red Aren’t you the best of pals though you don’t look alike And because you look different, does it matter?

Teach our children to be critical of clichés of judging on the experiences and conclusions of others — Open their, and our, hearts and build a dialogue of trust, and listen, and praise These are our shields against ignorance, vitriol and intolerance — Give our kids an education which implants in them the code of common respect for all

Living equality should be sown at the source with the seeds of love and kindness for one another — planted and nurtured for the common good —

Thank you, Love, I do believe I have understood

About the Poet Sylvia’s a social anthropologist, English teacher, and intercultural dialogue facilitator. Her passion is to express herself in writing and raise awareness of the world’s injustices, championing the marginalized and voiceless. She is driven by her love and humor. Half-Irish, half-Nigerian, Sylvia, born in Nigeria, now lives in Ireland after 42 years in Germany.

Poetry
Social Justice
Teaching And Learning
Children
Equality
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