TOGETHER, OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE A MASTERPIECE

 



“We must learn to live together as brothers,

or perish together as fools.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

 

We cannot be aware of everything and everyone around us… Some things and some people – yes, we, always, can. Like, if I told you about the language and culture I grew up with, the food habits, the worship and customs I was accustomed to, the local music that I adored – yes, you may not be aware of any of these. Likewise, I may not be aware of yours. So, in a way, our respective exposure will, always, be limited… Even with all the social media explosion on our faces every second of the day, and even if you and I do a hundred round trips around the globe, let me tell you this: we wouldn’t be able to know it all…

Every corner of our own country is blessed with its own music, culture, cuisine, clothes, language, worship and unique tradition and custom. And, to say, that my country should have a single language, single deity, single food and attire – come on, it’s beyond my comprehension. The same logic applies to the world stage – The US, the UK, Australia and every other country – like it or not – the diversity should be seen as strength and not as a threat…

It is just not possible to live within our respective islands in this world. If I am asked the question: “What makes an individual highly qualified to fit well anywhere in this world, my answer would be – the ability to embrace every kind of ethnic diversity.”

Yes Sir, when we see ourselves through the prism of our own ethnic identities, and stay too rigid around it, that’s what makes us unqualified to fit into this wonderful world…





The world is divided, and we are polarized, over our diversities… The ‘othering’ creeps into our system, often, without we even knowing about it. And, there are people who want us to be rigid and see our fellow beings  as ‘others’…

And, others do the same for us… We are ‘others’ for them…

It’s sad, but true: This ‘othering’ is at the core of every ethnic assertion…

Stay vigilant… Lest, the hearts will be polluted, poisoned…

Mercifully, as Edward Kennedy observed: “What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us.”

That’s, in deed, a great news… This world refuses to get completely polarized… completely poisoned… completely ‘othered’.

To me, the needle seems to, aways, come and point at me to ask: “Buddy, what about you? Do you see the beauty and strength in diversity or do you see threat in it?”

Yes, Sir, as the unknown quote says, “Together, our differences make a masterpiece.”

Else, as Martin Luther King Jr. warned us, we shall perish together as fools…




 

GERALD D’CUNHA

 

Pic’s.:  Pixabay

Video: Paul Simon

 

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