Take a look around you. We live in a country full of magnificent diversity. Each person you pass on the street has something wonderfully unique and colourful about them. Let’s celebrate all our brilliant differences and at the same time, embrace our own individuality.
The Fear
Historically, the differences that surround us, from different races, creeds or subcultures, have formed the basis of fear, racism and bigotry.
People fear diversity because they are familiarized with the way things are and find any sort of change extremely uncomfortable and overwhelming. If left unaddressed these fears will lead to ‘hate’, racism and bigotry; therefore people need to be educated about differences, learn to appreciate differences, and ultimately, celebrate differences!
We all live in a bubble, and it’s time that that bubble popped and we opened our eyes to the real, diverse and beautiful world.
Bye, Bye Bubble
I, unfortunately, grew up in a tiny bubble of a world. I went to a Jewish nursery school, Jewish primary school and Jewish high school. I wasn’t accustomed to anything outside of that. I knew of other religions and cultures but I was never exposed to their customs, their traditions or simply their way of life. I only knew one way of life.
I left school and decided to completely branch out. I chose the one university degree that would take me straight out of that bubble of a world and expose me to new ideals, new people, new creativity and new ways of thinking.
I became a WITS drama student – and it was a melting pot of creativity, diversity and a place where celebrating our differences was encouraged. Let’s just say that going from a private Jewish school to spending 4 years in the WITS art department makes one realise the true value of self expression and diversity.
Be Who you Are
I met people of different subcultures, people of different creeds and people who were simply just different. For the first time in my life I felt like I could be me. I no longer had to be pigeonholed to be accepted. I no longer had to act a certain way for fear of not fitting in.
I let the real me soar. I will never let society dictate who I should be again. And neither should you. It’s about time we let our very own freak flags fly and be who the hell we want to be... who we really are.
Universal Diversity
‘There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity.’ – Michel De Motaigne
Yes, one thing that we all share is diversity. So, to those who are scared of it, let me tell you that it is the one thing that makes us all the same... we are all unique... and that should be celebrated not shunned.
How dull would life be if we were all identical? There would be no space for growth, love and even conversation. By recognising our likeness and by embracing our differences we can work together in overcoming the three things that have crippled this world – prejudice, hate and fanaticism.
Stop the Stereotypes
Everyone has been stereotyped and everyone has placed a stereotype on another. When people find out I am Jewish I am immediately typecast into the role of ‘Rich Bitch,’ which trust me, I am not (maybe the latter; on occasion though.)
Ultimately, when we stereotype, we are placing sweeping assumptions about the character of an entire group. These generalisations are mostly negative and thus prevent people from finding out about the individual who is the victim of the stereotype.
This needs to stop. We need to stop placing people into tiny groups and branding them as just one thing. Two people may have the same skin colour, but they are two completely different people, with their own likes, dislikes and beliefs. We are all different, each and every single one of us and that needs to be celebrated and embraced. There is only one you... and no one can think otherwise.
Self-Expression
Once society has educated its children that uniqueness and diversity is something to be celebrated and not feared, then we would be able to live in a world where self-expression isn’t thought of as a subculture or oddity – it would be something beautiful and celebrated.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to walk through the streets being exactly the person that you are, not worrying about judging eyes and the whispers that follow you? This can hopefully one day be achieved – but it begins with you, the individual.
It Begins Now
We need to teach our children a positive self-image, let them know that they have nothing to be ashamed of. And once our children have been brought up with a healthy identity they can learn to respect and appreciate those different from themselves.
It is perfectly healthy to be proud of your own culture and heritage but we must teach our children that theirs is not superior to others.
