Over the last few weeks, I have come across the phrase "celebrate" diversity with no mention at all about "celebrating" the things which bring us together as a people. The phrase is more and more found in classrooms and even in houses of worship. Whatever happened to building unity based on common issues?
Now, before you get carried away thinking I do not understand the diverse nature of our population, let me put that to rest by saying that I have had as much experience with diversity as most people of my age. Many years ago, I expressed it in this way. We are a diverse nation and not a melting pot. We are more like a stew with each of us retaining color, language and national origins, while adding to the flavor of our culture.
Now, let me go back to those who hold out that we must "celebrate diversity." Alone, that is the wrong approach. That is really saying, "celebrate our differences." If you doubt me, look it up in a dictionary. Of course, we must respect the diversity of our nation and local communities. But, we should also be celebrating the things which truly unite us - not the differences.
What do I mean? Take family as the first example. Most of us put family first - no matter the diversity of our backgrounds. Isn't that something that should be celebrated as a primary source of unity in our nation?
There are many other areas which should also be celebrated along with respecting the diversity which surrounds us. For example, how about the teachers who give our children the opportunity to learn? And what about celebrating love of our country and local communities from the parks to the beaches and the shopping malls to our houses of worship?
These are just a few examples of the things which tend to bond us together, and we definitely do not celebrate them enough. Before we get carried away with only celebrating diversity, we had better take a close look at the areas of our lives which bring us all together!
Now, for another thought with regard to celebrating diversity. Maybe, instead of celebrating diversity, we should do more about being more respectful with regard to the diversity in our nation, and again, emphasize the celebration of those things which bring us together. Unifiers in our lives more clearly define how we will deal with our neighbors than celebrating something we may not clearly understand.
