Land of The Free?

                More than ever it seems, in this new generation of adolescence and decisions, political and economic affairs, foreign and domestic issues, and ideas and beliefs,  so much has differed from greatness. Even when this country was founded on its bold separation and independence, signifying strength and pride of becoming our own, it still started on actions taken against Native Americans. While we wave our flags in unison celebrating who we are as a nation every year, we always seem to forget how it started. We focus on why we became the home of the brave and the land of the free that is for sure but, we neglect the bad side in it. And in today's standards, we do the same. As a society thriving for the best and to always be on top, we all turn an unfortunate cheek to consequence, chivalry and simply put, kindness. Even in the smallest of ways, as in someone sneezing, people commonly do not even show their concern to say two words, 'bless you.' Not that a person obligated to or I mean to force anyone but, out of someone's own respect to their peer, why not just say a short phrase? The same can be said for holding a door for someone close enough to pass on through. Or picking up one small piece of trash that missed its target, so it lays on the ground next to the trash can it is meant to be in. It is so shocking just how similar everyone is in those regards, and yet everyone tries so desperately  to show their quote-unquote individualism. By no means am I saying I am so unique I do not count, and even so, I understand I am a part of some and if not many groups associated to the ones above but, at least I try. I do what I can to distance myself from that modern person so indulged with themselves ; including what they want and have, look past, follow and conform to, or turn into (if not all of those things even). And this is not a call to arms, and me preaching for everything to change. Saying that I did and can, and other could too if they took the time to, no. It is just an observation that I hope opens a few eyes here and there to the world around them. A cliché I know, nevertheless , I think that it is something that needs to be said. I remember in my tenth grade Physics class my teacher asked us a question one day. He said to write it down, and keep it in our backpacks, or at home, on us, just somewhere where it could be seen at most times. The question was, 'How can you make a difference [in a small way that is] everyday?' or at least somewhere along those lines. It struck a chord in me for several reasons, and the main being why he needed to ask it of us. That we as a group of people needed to be asked that question since the world needed deeds even in the tiniest of ways to be done to make it better. It made me think, hopefully it did the same for the others as well.