Why?

By Hannah , aged 14 from Faith in Humanity 

I have decided to choose the theme of ‘faith in humanity” no to racism yes to respect” because I believe that in this society today it is so important that everyone feels welcome and accepted no matter what you look like it shouldn’t matter because we’re all the same on the inside. Faith in humanity is continuing the belief of basic kindness and trust in the community no to judge you based off you skin colour. A vital part of this aspect of different faiths involves a committed act of acceptance of it but not necessarily an understanding of it but to respect it none the less. 

My painting is of a young woman experiencing lots of racism from people in her town because she lives in a mainly white bit of the world and she’s crying about it asking why she’s being verbally abused because of her race. Racism can come in all different forms and they are all not something people should be doing it undermines the person and hurts the fabric of society one bit at a time. 

By saying “no to racism” is more than just a rejection of prejudice; it is an active commitment to justice and equality. It requires facing uncomfortable situations about what black people have gone through like the slave trade, injustices against them, suspicion based of nothing other than there skin colour. We need to amplify the voices of people who don’t feel like they can speak about there experiences and to create more laws against injustices. 

On the other side, saying “yes to respect” shows the positive, proactive stance necessary for fostering human dignity. Respect is the foundation of any healthy, functioning society. It involves recognising the inherent worth of every individual, valuing their perspectives, and knowing their rights. Respect go beyond more tolerance; it is about embracing diversity and celebrating a lot of ways in which our differences enrich our collective experience. 

Faith in humanity, therefore, is a call to action. It challenges us to reject racism in all its forms and to champion respect for every person. It is a vision of a world where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated, where equity and justice are not just ideals but lived realities. By upholding these values, we affirm our belief in the possibility of a better future