Diversity
I remember learning in high school about the contrasting philosophies regarding immigration of Canada and the United States. The idea of multiculturalism as a central part of Canada’s national identity; where different ethnic groups are integrated into Canadian society allowing these cultural groups to retain and foster their identity. Contrastingly, the United States is known as the “melting pot” where people from different backgrounds are assimilated into American society.
Recently, “cultural diversity” has become a very popular trend in society and education alike. The idea that schools are to educate and provide a safe haven for inclusion and acceptance of every race, gender, and sexual preference. This year at my son’s school a “diversity” council was created. The goal was to raise awareness and educate students on racial issues in the world and create a safe environment in the school. It wasn’t long into the school year before news of the heated weekly meetings graced our supper table. Stories of members within the group focusing on their differences seemed to lend themselves to more segregation and polarization rather than an appreciation and respect for each other’s uniqueness. Sadly, these divisions spread to bullying creating an unpleasant, unsafe school environment. I began wondering if the idea of diversity was really a positive influence in creating the outcomes it had hoped to achieve.
In 1966. my parents became Canadian citizens. They were proud Canadian citizens yet held onto their Swiss heritage with great furor and pride. Arriving from city life in Switzerland to open bald prairie farm life took some courage and determination to adjust to their new Canadian way of life. Although we attended English speaking schools we spoke French at home. We continued to enjoy Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette. My mom always kept at least one box of Swiss chocolate under her bed for those middle of the night cravings; I don’t think it gets more Swiss than that!!! We were known as the “Swiss family” yet we embraced all that it meant to be a Canadian. Why was our family able to thrive in a new country with a completely different culture, language, and way of life? I think it was because there was an overall appreciation for us first as people, new immigrants, and farmers. The farming community became our friends and our differences were secondary. In fact, if anything, the diversity we brought to the community was embraced as they saw how it enriched their community. But it started with respect and appreciation first for us as fellow humans which made way for respect and appreciation for our points of diversity.
Today the focus seems to be on all the ways we are diverse from one another. There seems to be an urgent need for acknowledgment of these differences in order to feel acceptance into a community. It seems this very respect and acceptance we are hoping to achieve is escaping us. They say what you focus on enlarges. Perhaps we need to change our lens and focus to find our points of commonality before we are able to appreciate our differences. I believe that is the beauty of multiculturalism and the essence of diversity.
Photo Note:
My Dad is the tallest fellow center in the back row wearing a hat
My Mom is fourth from the right, second row also wearing a small black hat
My three sisters are in the front row
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