The Great Wall of China is about 13,000 miles long and is located in Beijing, China. It stretches from Mount Hu to Jiayu Pass and was built back in 1368 -1644 during the Ming Dynasty. What makes it remarkable is its design, it is not a straight wall but rather a wall that consists of curves, resembling a snake. There is no other wall of its kind. At the time it was built, China consisted of several kingdoms and forts and the need to protect their people from intruders, particularly nomadic groups coming from the European, West-Asian regions, was considered a serious threat. Nowadays, it partially consists of ruins remaining from those ancient times. In 1987, UNESCO declared it to be a World Heritage Site, which makes it count as one of the seven wonders of the world. Apparently, one is even able to see it from outer-space with the help of “using magnification”, according to Chinese astronaut, Yang Liwei. Nevertheless, it’s definitely a place worth visiting.
Walls in Other Countries
The Berlin Wall (1961 -1989) is another wall that was created to separate the West and East part of one country: Germany after World War II. Many people were killed who tried to go over it. Walls that were built on political grounds, are not always just a structure you see but also something that affects one’s mindset, if you think about it. The Wall that is planned to be built to separate Mexico and the USA is another one that is currently being discussed during times of political tensions currently existing in USA. Building a wall, however, will not stop people from crossing it, it will become a bigger challenge for those who want to come in, of course, but it sends a brutal message to those looking on the outside: “You are not welcome here”, which goes against the preaching of how immigrant-friendly a country is that was established by foreigners in the first place.
Deeper Meaning Behind Building Walls
Walls exist between people, too, even if they cannot be seen. Having a different political opinion than your neighbor, your friend or your family member and letting that disrupt the connection you have, is just one example that is occurring more often these days, unfortunately. People should be able to have their own beliefs without being judged or treated differently for it. No wonder, talking about politics and religion is something that is frowned upon at any workplace, because it creates unnecessary tensions between people, which in turn, have a negative impact on the surrounding atmosphere.
Is Building a Wall the Solution?
There has to be other options than just “building a wall” and believing that will solve the problem. The problem has deeper roots that need to be faced. Solving it, would require a lot of effort to compromise from all parties involved. Instead of building a wall, how about breaking down the “mental walls” that divide us and work on showing more consideration towards others, recognizing the difficulties that life brings. We would have a much more positive outcome if a support system is provided that regulates people coming from outside in a decent and respectful manner, such as offering helpful resources and providing options that will improve their lives instead of making them feel unwelcome, as if they don’t deserve a better, happier life. Less walls would make more room for an “open dialogue” that aims for unity and individual freedom, something that would benefit everyone.
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