We Are All Different
We are all different. We come from different parts of the world and have different cultures. We look different and at times have contrasting opinions on how society should work. We have different styles and we have different religions. Unfortunately, many people in our society fear people that are different than them. We tend to gravitate toward and live in neighborhoods that make us feel comfortable and there is nothing wrong with that. However, we often fail as a society in respecting others who are different and we fail at trying to understand them. We have different ideas and different goals and if we can work together we can achieve a lot more than if we worked alone.
Political Stances
In the modern political landscape, most people are classified as either a right wing republican or a left wing democrat. We often fail to recognize that politics do not have to be defined by absolutes. A republican can have liberal views on certain issues and a democrat can have some conservative views as well. Elected officials are supposed to represent the people who voted them in office and should focus on constituent needs over party agendas. Many elected officials fail to do this and as a result they lose their office. Furthermore personal opinion and bias can affect decision making and even fact reporting. A story will be reported on differently based on who is telling said story. That being said, the facts never really change, it is our interpretation of the facts that get altered. So how do we move forward as one society despite our differences of opinion? The answer is simple, compromise. We must learn to respect others view points and work with them to find a middle ground solution. The political structure of our country is based on this idea. In order to make progress, Congress must stop fighting and start compromising.
Religion
Another major difference among us is our religious views. Some people believe everyone else’s view is wrong while some people respect the differences among us. Most major religions preach peace; however, violence often occurs between different groups. When multiple religious organizations team up society as a whole, society is the beneficiary. This is the case for many cities and the driving force of many religious collaboration organizations. Many temples, churches, and mosques work together to support local homeless shelters, food banks, and strive to find a common ground for good for their neighborhoods. Some religious organizations spend too much time trying to force their views on others. There is nothing wrong with offering to educate or convert other people to your religion, but it is wrong to force your views on others. Missionary work helps many people when it is done respectfully and properly. Using violence or threats to convert people is morally wrong and can create violent conflicts. The world has a long history of wars based on religious views. It is time we learn from the history and learn to respect everyone’s views and beliefs even if they differ from ours.
Cultures
Most of us have different lineage and different cultural backgrounds. Some of us are of African descent, some of us are Asian, and others are European. We grew up with different holidays and different ways of celebrating milestone events. For many of us going to a party for a holiday or milestone we do not understand is uncomfortable. We do not know what we are doing and why we are doing it. Once again there is nothing wrong with not understanding something; however, it is wrong to be disrespectful. If something is foreign to you it is okay to ask and learn about it. Most people will be happy to explain their traditions to us when asked properly. Trouble only occurs when we are disrespectful and condescending of other people’s ways. Bringing cultures and people together can be a very educational and a rewarding experience for those involved. It can help shorten the gap between us if it is done correctly. If it is done incorrectly it can widen the gap between us. As stated above, the most important thing is respect. We must respect others especially because we want to be respected in turn. So next time you do not understand the point of a celebration ask before judging. We are never too old to learn about others and respecting each other will make the world a better place.
Food
One of the best parts about our differences is we all have different styles of food. This is a result of culture and a result of geographical differences. Countries that border the ocean often cook with more seafood compared to a nation whose borders are landlocked. We eat foods that we can easily cultivate and are widely available. That is the reason why Japanese foods are more seafood based while central European nation’s foods are more based on meats and potatoes. Many people enjoy experimenting and trying different foods and food is a great way to bring us together. Sharing family culinary secrets and traditional meals allows us to introduce others to our culture in a way that is mutually enjoyable. Do not be afraid to try new foods and be bold when offering your favorites for others to try. Food is a great way to bond and is a core element of many cultures. Be open minded and you may find a new favorite food.
We often spend too much time focusing on what separates. We must learn to value and respect our differences in order to move forward together. A team can accomplish more than an individual and a group of different people can change the world together. So remember to be respectful of others and try to understand their views, especially when they differ from ours.