- Lynn Norment, a columnist for The Commercial Appeal, is a former editor for Ebony Magazine.
This is the time of year when many people focus on what they want to receive and give for Christmas. Retailers are busy, online sites are buzzing and consumers are pondering. Adults are completing their shopping lists. Children and teens are expressing their wants from Santa, their parents, grandparents and others.
My 7-year-old niece comes up with something new every time I see her, which is often. And the abundant television advertisements for toys have made her list exceedingly long.
I’m way past the stage of wanting anything for Christmas. However, this year I’ve been contemplating a wish list of what would make me happy this holiday season. Fortunately, they are not material wants or needs.
On my Christmas wish list are things simple in concept though complicated in bringing to fruition. They will not financially benefit me but may extend my life and the lives of others.
Most important, my wish list items will bring about peace of mind for me and many others.
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Sensitive gun laws
Do we really need assault weapons in our homes and on the streets of America? No. They aren’t used for self-protection. Rather, they are most notably used for mass shootings, such as the tragedy that occurred at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. These weapons also are used for intimidation, as demonstrated by the armed civilians who appointed themselves to “guard” ballot drop boxes during the recent election.
There are an estimated 25 million AR-15-style semi-automatic rifles in the hands of 81 million gunowners in this country. According to the New York Times, the gun industry “reaped an estimated $1 billion in sales” during the past decade from such weapons while developing a market among young men and their insecurities. Making matters worse was a congressman who posted a 2021 Christmas photo on social media with himself, his wife and five children in front of a Christmas tree, each holding an assault weapon. And just four days after a school mass shooting. That was a holiday downer.
stop the violence
All those assault weapons and other guns simply lead to more violence in America. Mass shootings are at such a high level that people seem to have grown immune to the horror. Political violence, racial violence and intimidation are rampant. People continue to complain about police shootings but persist in killing each other. Unfortunately, our beloved Memphis is among the nation’s leading cities when it comes to violence and crime. It would be wonderful to devise a solution to this nonstop violence.
Stop hating
This country was built by diverse people from right here and around the world, and it continues to be home to many races, ethnicities and cultures. We have plenty of room for everyone and should be able to accommodate differing opinions as well. We can disagree on issues or how things should be done, but that is no reason to hate each other. Let’s stop hating people due to political differences, skin color and cultural differences. Keep in mind that sometimes divisive hatred prevails within our own families and communities. Where it occurs, let’s adjust our attitudes and be more inclusive.
Slow down, Memphis
And I do mean slow down your vehicles and crazy antics on our streets and expressways. Stopping traffic on the interstate while you and your crew perform what are called donuts (driving in circles) is crazy and dangerous. Racing and speeding on I-240 is just as bad. While driving to the airport recently, I was started by a sleek black vehicle coming up almost on my left. The driver zoomed past me and crossed my lane to make an exit. Farther along I-240, I only heard a loud swoosh as another car barely missed my front left bumper as the driver zipped across my lane and disappeared. I was shaken and said a prayer to regain my composure. My life had been threatened twice in 20 minutes.
People must accept the reality of climate change and take action
According to the Environmental Defense Fund, global warming is worsening extreme weather events, Antarctic ice is breaking apart, and wildfire seasons are months longer. We humans are the main cause of climate change, for we burn fossil fuels and chop down forests, thus causing temperatures to rise worldwide.
This climate change is impacting our clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply and secure shelter. It also has consequences for our health, for there are increasing deaths and illnesses due to extreme weather events, such as heat waves, storms and floods. We all need to learn more about how climate change is affecting our lives and advocate for solutions.
End hunger among our children
According to Feeding America, more than 9 million children experienced hunger in 2021. That’s one in eight children at risk for hunger. That’s appalling. Feeding America also says Black and Latino children are more likely to face hunger than white children because of systemic racial injustice. According to the USDA, last year 22 percent of Black children and 18.5 percent of Latino children were food insecure. In addition, single parent families are more likely to face hunger. In 2021, 24 percent of single mother households were food insecure. Not having consistent access to enough food can affect children’s cognitive abilities, attention spans and overall health.
According to a list compiled by Stacker based on information from Feeding America, Shelby County ranked No. 4 among Tennessee counties regarding child food insecurity as of 2020, with 27%. Neighboring Haywood County ranked No. 1 (28.6%); Lauderdale County No. 5 (27%); Hardeman County No. 6 (25.5%); and Madison County No. 8 (24.3%). Among states with the highest rate of food insecure children are Mississippi at No. 3 with 20.4%, and Arkansas at No. 5 with 19.7%.
We as Americans can do better, and we must.
I don’t expect these items on my wish list to be delivered on Christmas or anytime soon. But I sincerely want them. And you should want them too, for we all will benefit from fewer guns on the streets, less violence, hate and crazy driving. And we all must understand the consequences of climate change and do our part to save our planet for future generations. If we don’t, much more than child hunger will be at stake.
As we close out 2022 with generous gifting and festive gatherings, let’s give some serious consideration to issues that truly can lead to peace on earth and a better world.
Lynn Norment, a columnist for The Commercial Appeal, is a former editor for Ebony Magazine.
