During the recent heat wave, I had the occasion to visit our Veteran’s Memorial Pool. Of course, it was packed with people trying not to melt from the oppressive heat. That brought to mind the basic American concept of the “melting pot.” What I saw at the pool were faces of all shades…brown, black, white, red (sunburned) and everything in between. What a wonderful thing it is to be able to work and play beside people whose origins and experiences might be different from our own. There is much to be learned about both our differences and our commonalities.
As the world becomes “smaller,” it is imperative that our children are taught to understand and respect the diverse cultures, religions and customs which they will experience in the community and work place. I have been fortunate to travel to many places throughout the world. I have learned from each person I have met. I have also seen how exclusion and prejudice can destroy a neighborhood, town and even a nation.
Recently, I was in Belfast and then Londonderry in Northern Ireland. I saw neighborhoods where people with similar ideological views live in enclaves, isolating themselves from fellow countrymen who have different views. While there was peace at the time of my visit, quarrels and local fights took place about a week after I had left.
A few years ago, I was in Syria. There were neighborhoods and communities of Shiites who separated themselves - for the most part - from their Sunni neighborhoods. As you know, a civil war is raging in that country and innocent people are suffering. Separation leads inevitably to misunderstandings and hostility.
I also recall in a visit to Israel and the Palestinian authority areas. Here, too, people resided in separate areas and their interactions were within their own communities. Despite living only a few miles apart, their intolerance kept them from recognizing the advantage of mutual support.
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Most people choose to befriend those who share their views, values, and socio economic conditions. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with this. But, if we resist change and only seek to justify a narrow viewpoint, we will never see the treasures that are in plain sight. Experiencing the world through the eyes of someone who might sound, look or dress a little differently can humanize people who might otherwise remain on the margins of our lives. Underneath the external trappings of our lives, we have a great deal in common. I am happy that I can go to our pool and see people of all races, religions and cultures enjoying the resources of South Windsor. It is my hope that South Windsor continues to be a common ground where diversity is valued and differences are respected.
