This I believe (draft)

It is in the American culture it is ever present to sit back and take things for what they are and not stand for what you believe in. Going through the schooling systems it’s been countless times. The first time I came into a situation where I was put on the spot I backed down. I was in the 6th grade and was in class when a student said everyone who believes in religion is wasting their time. He continued saying god isn't real and that it’s just a waste of time and people that believe in religion just do it because they have nothing else to believe in. I was in the 6th grade so hearing this and being the religious person i am i did not know how to respond and I went home telling my parents what had happened. My dad sat me down and explained to me that everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs and that you should never throw your beliefs on others but if someone is attacking what you believe, you are entitled to defend it and since then I have been very verbal about what I believe and I take pride in standing up for what I believe in.

In today's society I think this belief of standing up for what you believe in is more important than ever. As a young black male in today's society seeing all the injustice going on has forced me to become more involved and push for change. I believe that regardless of race age or ethnicity there is a difference between right and wrong and society has become numb to the harsh realities of violence and brutality