Who We Are and What We Are

Who We Are and What We Are

[Preface]

This is my Toastmaster communication program No. 10 speech (inspire your audience) at the SpeakerEasy@SunBeijing club. I include this in my blog because I feel that the materialistic pressure is so high around me, and I have to cry out loud to help my inner self to get some fresh air. "What We Are" is so overwhelming in Beijing and other parts of China. The air is so stifling and we need badly the prophetic voices to develop the spiritual side of ourselves in modern-day China.

[Opening]

I would like to start my speech with an anecdote. About a year ago, I was meeting my wife outside of the Chinese Customs in the Beijing airport. She must have flown on a Boeing Jumbo 747, because there were many people coming out. While I was waiting, I saw the United Airlines flight attendants coming out. To my surprise, the guy next to me spoke to his friend this way, "See those ugly and old flight attendants? United Airlines sends the worst crew to China." It was unsettling to me, and I had to mumble a few words to him to the effect that United Airlines cannot let people go simply because they get old. This leads to my talk today about "Who We Are and What We Are".

[Body]
*We are not created equal*

We are all different and we are all gifted differently. Don't fool ourselves that we are equal. We are *NOT* created equal. What we might provide is equal opportunity to all. To the disadvantaged, we make sure that we give them fair chances to compete and survive. Sometimes, we even need to make special efforts to accommodate groups that need help. To the stronger and more gifted, practice modesty and humility, be kind and be gentle. This defines civilization to me. Thus, to me, what we are is not something we judge ourselves. Who we are is what I use to judge ourselves.

*Who we are*

The very pride and dignity of each individual is derived from our attitude and from being who we are. It is not the work we do. The work we do neither makes us worth more, nor makes us worth less. The beauty and worth of each of us is within us, and it is how we strive to be a better person in the family, community, and society. We compare ourselves against who we were yesterday. Are we making good use of our gift to be a better person in the many hats we wear such as a student, a parent, or an engineer? We should be conscientious of the fact that we respect effort and we pay less attention to the result.

*Toward others*

We should not judge others based on age, physical characteristics, nor gender. We should not patronize and protect for the sake of protection; instead, we should instill self-confidence and pride in others. For others to respect us, we must respect others first. Have faith in human nature and its potential. Make sure that we share the bright side of our human nature, not the dark side of ourselves.

*Toward oneself*

Our work is sacred. We should not feel lowly because of our work or social status. As a matter of fact, I heard my favorite reading again a few months ago. "If anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat," from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians in the New Testament. Working with your hands, head, and sweat is always something to be respected. Our respect for others, our effort, our integrity, and our responsibilities define who we are.

[Closing]

In closing, I suggest that we strip off and ignore gadgets and properties that make us feel good and proud. Forget about the titles we might have. Look deep inside ourselves. Are we genuine, true to ourselves, kind to others? Although we might not be gifted at all things we wish to be good at, do we have the persistence, coolness, and open-mindedness to face the world one day at a time? Be proud of who we are, don't get confused by what we are. And never get bothered by what we are not. We are all beautiful and truthful inside. Make sure that we nurture that every day.
Next time when you see the United Airlines flight attendants, don't write them off so quickly. Think how they show you the safety regulations and how to use the oxygen mask. Think that they serve you drinks and meals. They work with their hands and pride, and they are decent individuals who deserve their paychecks just like we do. Never judge them again by their outward appearances, especially their age. They are not beautiful and subservient objects for us to fantasize about. Shame on you if you still think that way.

[EOF]