How many times have you subconsciously judged someone, because of the ugly shoes they were wearing? Or maybe their funny accent? Or weird name? When someone you don’t know answers the phone, how many times have you automatically assumed the person was white, based on the way he or she spoke?

Better yet, how many times have you done some unproductive shit-talking or gossiping, behind your so-called friend’s back?

Yes, it is human nature to make judgments and assumptions and to criticize — in fact, sometimes it is necessary. But what about those negative judgments that add no productive value to a debate?

It’s MLK Day, and we musn’t ever forget how different our society is since Dr. King’s time. And how much we have to keep striving for that dream. It doesn’t take much — just start with your own small world, and slow down to reflect before you simply react mindlessly…