"unfortunately, in the African American culture, it will always be "we" and "them"....until "we" are accepted, valued and treated as an equal"

-Facebook user

This comment enrages me. It is not because I disagree with the context and the history of where African-Americans have been and come from in this country.

It does so because there appears to be no acceptance, recognition, or foresight on the author's behalf to continue the good work of what could be accomplished regarding how people see and treat one another.

I am not ignoring the fact that historically there has been a "we" and a "them".

But I will not ignore the efforts of countless people who have stood their ground for equality and what is right in the midst of such prejudices. Why do some people insist on deepening these lines of "other-ness" when there is such a consorted effort among some to step away from this debilitating mindset?

Please correct me if I've overlooked an instance where Martin Luther King, Jr. refers to the African-American demographic as "we" instead of talking about how civilization or all men must change.

Have I forgotten the times when Ghandi intentionally distinguishes the people of India from those in Pakistan, England, the U.S?

What about Mother Teresa? I venture to say that she spent much more time doing something about the sick and unloved than discussing how the people in Calcutta were ostracized.

There is so much to learn and to teach others about how diversity works, how we can appreciate one another and revel in each other's dissimilarities. And there are many people who want those boundaries and lines to remain drawn.

Stop the shop talk about "we" and "them". Appreciate the differences in a fresh light. In your own words, talk about your "thick lips...hair... butts...[and] color" with a newfound appreciation that does not involve a discussion on how "they" are jealous, having "heart attacks" and are "set off" by who you are.

Because the truth is that you ARE beautiful.

And so am I.