Tribalism and religious bigotries must have no place in Liberia

Tribalism, racism, sexism, religious bigotry and other negative isms have had something in common with segregation and inequality.

Some of these negative statements on tribes and the ideologies of "one tribe is more Liberian than the other tribe" is not only divisive but has the propensity to promote tribal discrimination, conflict and influences false tribal-cultural superiority.

Instead of defending how proud you are to be a Mandingo because someone thinks differently of you or your tribal connection, remind them and yourself that there's no category of citizenship in the constitution/aliens and nationality law call "real Liberian or false Liberian". No one is more Liberian than you. We are all equal!! We are one!

For me, I blame those who insult Mandingos not because they are blinded by tribalism and intolerance neither do they know Liberian history outside of the American colonization Society (ACS) trend.

Again, forgive them (uninformed) because they were misinformed that Mandingos are foreigners. Carried away by the ACS and 1847 independence sentiments until we totally forgot those who lived here before the love of liberty brought us here. Sorry, sometimes some of them ignorantly consider all Muslims Mandingos; literally hate speeches.

I am proud to be a Mandingo, Kpelleh or any of the other tribes statement in a gathering where there are different tribes of people is very divisive and may provoke conflict. Tell the world how proud you are to be a Liberian and then we can discuss diversity with tolerance.

In my Unification voice, segregation must have no place in Liberia, we must unite, rebuild together, hold our tribes and religions together for the common good of our country.

When they call you foreigner because you are associated with the Mandingo tribe, refer them to Liberia history before 1822 and the slave trade in West Africa sister, do nothing brother but be positive; these talks won't change your country of nationality; deep down beyond hate we know that you are a Liberian. Don't become a tribelist because someone is blinded by bigotry, fear or tribalism. Show the difference!

What people say about you doesn't matter or change the fact that it wasn't your choice to be born you. What matter most is what you are now, what you will become, how many lives you continue to impact. One day, they are going to judge you by the content of your character, and your fight to ensure Liberia is better and equal for all.

Reacting to negative people will only make you negative. Never react to the oppressor like the oppressed; let the oppressor know that you are more intelligent and that you are the opposite of what he/she thinks about you.

We've come a long way as a country in reconciling our differences. Be the change you want to see; show the difference. Tribalism and religious bigotries must have no place in Liberia.