Diversity

"We should all know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color." ~Maya Angelou

"If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."~JFK

I know I'm going to get in trouble for this blog post.  But, ya know me.  I thrive on chaos.  And who wants to take the easy road?

I had a debate with a very close friend.  A comment had come up about the possibility of my daughters eventually dating a "black" guy.  I don't care if they date someone purple with orange polka-dots as long as they treat them right.  Anyone that knows me understands that I am basically color-blind.  I don't pay attention to looks or color.  I know people by their hearts.  I am actually taken aback when I run into racism or discrimination because it is so not a part of who I am.

My friend stated that someone she knows (a "white" lady) recently married a "black" guy.  I put the quotations on the words because I don't really know anyone that is truly white or black, just mainly various shades of ruddy peach and brown, but that's being a little too specific I guess.  

Well, anyways, this person stated that it wasn't fair for this couple to bring children into this world knowing that they are going to be picked on.  How terrible that they would be subjected to people staring and commenting all of the time.  I stated then I didn't think it was fair that I was born because I was picked on terribly for my weight when I was younger.  And for not having the best clothes.  And various other things that brings out cruelty in children and even adults.

I was told that it's not the same thing.  But that I should stick with "my kind" which is supposedly Irish Catholic.  That way there isn't conflict with customs and beliefs and other such traditions.  But what about the Slovenian part of me?  Or Scottish?  Or Bohemian (on both sides believe it or not)?  Or English.  And God knows what else.  Do I ignore these parts of my family?  I mean, I've never had haggis or smoked a fag, but I have dressed Bohemian.  At the same time, I don't know what a coddle is and I hate cabbage.  But I love potatoes and I can drink like a fish.  That's Irish - right?

But I'm being facetious.  Seriously, I'm a mutt.  But in a good way.  I'm not a fancy comforter you buy out of the JCPenny's catalog that coordinates and has cute matching pillows.  I am little scraps of worn fabric sewn together into a strong and beautiful patchwork quilt.  Some of the pieces are soft and fluffy, while others are tough and unbreakable.  Not all of my stitches are straight and even, but they hold together where they need too.  I am warm and comfortable and useful on a cold night.  I'm not just here for decoration and there is a lot of substance to me - not just a bunch of polyfill and fluff.

Where does it say that we should all be the same or stay with people just like us?  Is it in the Bible?  Is this what God wanted for us?   Did he mean for us to have a say in who should be born?  Does being "like" everyone else in your circle make you have a better life?  Does one person have more purpose in being here and the rest of us are just filler?  Where do we draw the line?  Do we go by looks?  By IQ?  Money?

So anyways, it's 2011 people.  I know there are still ignorant people out there, but it seems to me that discrimination is getting better.  It is more politically correct to have a diverse group of friends.  We seem to celebrate our differences more than look down on others because of them. What a beautiful world we live in because everyone is different!

But what do I know?  So, I'm curious what your opinion is.  You can post anonymously if you want to.