But you know what the trouble is with the world? Differences. We all learned when we were little, and it has been reiterated throughout the years, that tolerance is good - that everyone is different - that diversity is a very good thing.
Yet, wars are being waged. People are being killed. Others are homeless, jobless, unable to obtain proper health care or education ... all due to differences. Whether it's their color, their religion, their gender, their sexual orientation, their manner of speech, their age, or some other physical or perceived "class" difference.
Why? Is it a crime to be different? From what I learned in school and church, no. Some say God created all men (and women) equal. The civil rights act of 1964 (it took till 1964!!!!) attempted to reinforce that equality.
As for diversity, I found this on a simple google search:
Definition of Diversity
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.
It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration
of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.
And how about this....in the UK there are:
The Equal Pay Act 1970
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
The Race Relations Act 1976
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
All these laws and acts and such to try and get people to treat others with respect and dignity. I feel it is a very sad thing that we must TELL everyone to be nice. (And at this time I won't go into the question of - who has the RIGHT to say how others are to be treated?) I understand that there are powerful people, and power-hungry people, and of course there are people who decide to do harm and evil. I know that there is no such thing as a utopia where everyone is happy, healthy, friendly, and content. Progress cannot be made if there is not some sort of impetus to CHANGE something - whether it's improving food, housing, transportation, entertainment, etc. - but must that change always come with contention?
I know we are all emotional beings....but what a beautiful world it would be if we were all "color" blind, "gender" blind, "religiously" blind, "socially" blind, and just accepted everyone as special, unique, impressive individuals.
Open your heart and mind to your fellow human beings...after all is said and done - we all live on the same planet. Happy Holidays.
