By Tim Saunders on
Singer Ricky Martin has talked about his thoughts of peace over the holiday season, his positive outlook on life, and his hope that humanity will one day prevail.
“As a human rights activist for many years, I’ve been able to witness countless miracles,” he said. "I’ve seen the amazing capacity that human beings have to heal; I’ve seen governments and private citizens try to change public policies and fight battles of love that have resulted in a positive impact on our society. I’ve seen boys and girls from different parts of the world free themselves from the bondage of human trafficking (the slavery of the new era) and amazing people renounce their “lives of luxury” to help those who need it most. Witnessing miracles of all kinds has strengthened the faith in humanity that my parents instilled in me, which is the same faith that I try to pass on to my children every day. When I watch them discovering the world, I think kindness is one of the greatest virtues that I can teach them.
“On the other hand, I’ve also seen insufferable things that have made it impossible for me to hold on to the naiveté that I had as a child and have always tried to maintain it. Traveling the world from an early age and witnessing unimaginable crimes against humanity has stolen part of the innocence that I had as a young boy. There were many moments when I forgot about the child that lives inside of me. You know, that child that we all have within and who constantly reminds us to focus on the beauty of “simplicity”. But that moment of disconnection was many years ago, and thanks to the work that I do with my foundation as a part of my daily life, I’m fortunate enough to say that I have reconnected with that inner child and continue to learn from him. One of the most important things I have learned is to SHOUT to the world when I encounter injustice, and that is why I am writing today.
“I try to walk through life with a positive outlook. I do all I can to keep a grateful and optimistic attitude. Call me a romantic, an idealist, or maybe someone who’s just not realistic. Maybe it’s a defense mechanism or maybe it’s just that I’m someone who wants to change the chain of negative thoughts that have been fed to us in many ways and which can easily poison the soul. We are all human and sometimes it’s easier to ignore the pain and go on with our day. “That has nothing to do with us,” we may say; “Why should we care?” But today, I feel that’s impossible. It does have to do with us. I do care.
“SO I SHOUT: WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE WORLD TODAY?
“I’m sure you all have different answers. But at the end of the day, it seems that the collective response usually comes back to one thing: “WE WANT PEACE”
“Accepting diversity is the first and most important step we can take towards eliminating hate crimes and uniting humanity.
“If we ACCEPT, humanity unites. If humanity unites, equal human rights will become a reality. And if equal human rights become a reality, peace will be within our reach.”
The full statement can be read here.
Copyright © 2009 Look to the Stars
