Yesterday, Americans celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. day.
Yesterday, Lebanese worried about what will happen with the indictment is delivered and who will become the next Prime Minister.
This month, at
ACS, we are studying diversity and demonstrating respect as part of our character education. I have written this article because I have been constantly talking with my
students about the importance of respecting ALL people. It got me thinking...
Over 40 years ago MLK jr. was assassinated because people disagreed with his dream of desegregation. Over 40 years later, America is (for the most part) desegregated. MLK had a dream, a dream that his children would be able to be side by side with white people and not be judged by the color of their skin. Is that true for our world today? Definitely not for the world but I do feel America is doing a good job at looking at others for their character and not the color of their skin. Don't misjudge me by that statement. I am sure many of you are saying, "yes, Americans are still being judged by the color of their skin." I agree, there are ignorant, selfish, stupid people who do still judge others by the color of their skin. However, we are in a day and age where the laws that confront racism are actually enforced. Today, our own president is Black. If MLK, jr. were alive today I imagine he would be thrilled with the progress we have made. I am excited to see how we will change in the next 40 years.
For the past 7 years I have lived in places where I am a minority. The Arctic (Alaska), Guatemala, and Lebanon are all places where I have been called names based on the color of my skin. The Arctic: Tuniq = white person; Guatemala Gringa= white person & rubio or canchita = blondie; Lebanon - hmmm, well actually I am not sure if they have a name for me... they probably do, I just have no idea what they are saying. :) I wonder what it will be like for me to live in Minnesota again - after 7ears. Will I be relieved to be around people who culturally are similar to me or will I long for diversity?
At the beginning of this post I mentioned the Lebanese situation (briefly). I sit here, constantly reading the news, trying to make sense of the minute by minute changes in the gov't. Last week the Lebanese government collapsed. This sent officials from all over the world into a frenzy. The Lebanese continued on with their lives as normal. In fact, last weekend super models were skiing in Faraya in their
swimsuits.
Today, some schools closed because there were "gatherings" taking place on the streets in Beirut. The "gatherings" dispersed quickly and my school was not cancelled. It is a strange feeling that I am feeling these days. Am I worried? No, not really. After all, I did live in Guatemala for 3 years and I believe personal attacks of violence are scarier than group attacks. Am I confused, excited, anxious, sick of it? Yes, I guess all of those would describe how I am feeling these days about the situation here in Lebanon. I wish they would just get it (whatever that may be) over with!
I can't imagine what Lebanese feel. They have been dealing with "situations" like this their entire life. Most Lebanese say that every 2 years something like this happens. How do you plan your life around instability? I am stressing out about planning my life around the uncertainty of whether or not I will have a job next year. What do Lebanese do when they are uncertain if their country will be at war - again!?!
When problems arise here is it political? Or as most say, is it because they are unwilling to accept diversity?
I believe it is something which has so many levels that those who are involved directly don't quite understand the strife. Trying to understand it gives me the feelings I felt while I was watching, Inception - mind boggling confusion!
Which ever your source of news(entertainment) I hope your day makes you confront diversity.
