So, we are all different, in some way.
What I would like to know is why does different always seem to lead
to contention? We talk about the strength of diversity, but don't
seem to understand what that means.
Diversity is brown hair and blond hair
and red hair. Diversity is dark skin and lighter skin. Diversity is
male and female, tall and short, gay, straight and in between.
Diversity is every human being expressing their humanity each in
their own way.
And that continues into the ideas of
culture, philosophy, religion, politics and every other aspect of
human endeavor. The presence of different, sometimes uncomfortable
ideas is a good thing, and should be celebrated as enthusiastically
as we are beginning to celebrate the other, more obvious differences
between us.
Unfortunately, every time we start
talking to each other, those differences seem to breed fear, anger
and defensiveness. Why is it not possible for people to discuss
ideas, traditions, understandings and perspectives without feeling
threatened by those that are different?
I don't know the answer to that
question, but if you are someone who has different ideas, different
cultural and spiritual values, I'd love to hear from you. Every now
and then, it's wonderful to discuss these things in a way that
doesn't lead to arguments about right and wrong, but to broader
perspectives and understanding each other and ourselves. I might not
agree with what you say, but I will do my best to find some value in
hearing you say it.
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