Diversity: Our Foundation

Often when you hear the word “diversity”, it is associated with race but diversity is so much more. Diversity is about our own uniqueness. It can be race, religion, nationality, personality, intelligence, gender, talents, and our own unique characteristics. It really is the foundation of the United States. We come together as a country because of our unique differences.

I glanced over my son’s kindergarten class that first week of school, and I was excited to see so much diversity in a class of only 17. I was excited that this is the environment where my son would spend each day. There were boys and girls; Caucasians, African Americans, Asians, and Latinos; Christians, Jews, Muslims, and those with no set religion; blondes, brunettes, black hair, and red-heads; native born and immigrants, blue-eyed, green-eyed, hazel eyed, and brown-eyed, from large families and small families; those that are quiet and reserved, and those that are loud and outgoing. How could one tiny class be so different, yet be brought together as a team. A team that throughout the year will form bonds, help each other when one is in need, learn together and from each other, grow, and thrive.

So many times the world tries to fit everyone into a neat little box based on certain criteria and it just does not work that way. A perfect example of this is our President-Elect Barack Obama. During the election, people wanted to label him and define him by that label whether it be race, religion, association, etc. Throughout the last year, he has been labeled African American, Bi-Racial, Christian, father, Chicagoan, Democrat, Liberal, Ivy Leaguer, and man to name a few. I am sure you could name even more. We did not elect an African American although that is a piece of what he is. We did not elect a Christian although he is. You get the idea. We elected an American who through his own uniqueness brought the right mix to the table to lead this country in the nation’s eyes.

As we enter Thanksgiving time, this is the ultimate reminder of the real importance of what was started so many years ago. The Pilgrims came to this country because they wanted to celebrate their diverse religion, instead of being forced into a set mold by the government. They joined together to build a name with their unique talents.

Diversity is the foundation of this United States. Over the years, people have migrated to this country because of its diversity and opportunity to celebrate our differences. The freedom to be who you are!

As we sit down before a table of food or flip on a parade, or watch football, we should should stop and remember all we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and everything that is unique about each of us and makes us who we are.

This is an original post on New Jersey Moms Blog.

Lois also blogs about products, giveaways, and articles for moms and babies at Goodies for Mom, and is the inventor of the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow for Nursing Moms.