Empathy Over Marginalization 

“I never make mistakes. Only you do.”

-Fitz

The smallest act of empathy is greater than the largest act of marginalization; It is not fun to be left out of even the smallest thing, recess football in elementary school, it was not me, but when I saw this, I left my spot and let them play. We had a very competitive recess football program, where everyone was drafted that wanted to play. I was often picked first or second, I guess back then I was athletic. I watched as everyone was picked, besides one. It was a sunny spring day in the year of 5th grade, and it was to be a football game of legend. We started the draft, I was picked, than I watched and waited until the game could start. I saw someone being pushed away, “your so bad at football, we don’t want you to play!” They yelled at him. Finally they dispersed and I caught a glimpse of him. It was my friend, Arnav. They wouldn’t let him play despite his best effort, because he wasn’t good enough. This was greatly unfair, we always had everyone playing no matter how bad or good they are. This made me feel horrible so I decided to take action. I said, I wasn’t feeling well and Arnav could take my spot. This theme, of showing empathy over mistreatment and marginalization, is something that if everyone took it to heart and lived by, our world would be a far better place. Although my act of kindness was very small, and a 5th grade kind of thing, it still hits harder than any discriminatory actions. If everyone could take a minute out of their day and think, how could I make someone’s day better today. Our lives would be forever better.