Who are you?

We are a diverse group of people. Who have hopes and dreams.

Traveling on individual paths. Paths intersect from time to time. Paths that diverge and go in opposite directions.

We form communities. Make friends. Have conflict. Work through differences. Celebrate success together. Mourn losses.

The above shows what we are, but it also reveals what we are not. We are not a monolith.

It irks me when I turn on the news, read a paper, or even a social media post that begins with the words, “ Black people need to ______.” “ Immigrants need to______” “ People with same-sex attraction need to______”.

Addressing the needs of a diverse group of people with sweeping statements is more harmful than beneficial. You aren’t changing anyone’s belief system, nor are you teaching a new lesson. Instead, you entrench the opinions of those who support you and further alienate those who disagree with you.

What is another choice? Inquiry. Listening. Asking questions.

Attempting to teach.

How about choosing to celebrate the diversity and the accomplishments of those around you?

What would happen if you made that decision? The decision to celebrate?

Who are you? What can you celebrate today?