Plastic and Human Rights

Yesterday, I enjoyed a fun bowling outing with a friend, and our conversation turned nostalgic as we reminisced about retro toys. One memory that stood out was my childhood desire for a Megazord. As a kid, I’d hide its individual pieces around the house, only to assemble them during imaginary battles. Looking back now, that toy was just a piece of plastic—but to a child, it was so much more, embodying creativity, dreams, and possibility.

This thought reminds me of how we sometimes view people—assigning value or labels based on our perceptions rather than recognizing their humanity. Just as a toy can transcend its material nature, so too can people rise beyond the labels imposed upon them. After all, Lady Liberty's promise of "justice for all" should extend to everyone, regardless of circumstance.

Recently, I commented on a post aiming to raise the "warmth and kindness" in our dialogue. I found myself clashing with a troll, which gave me pause to reflect. Even in moments of tension, these interactions challenge us to think deeper about our beliefs and the way we engage with others.