DIVERSITY.
[dih-vur-si-tee, dahy-] : noun, plural diversities.
1. the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness
2. variety; multiformity.
3. the inclusion of individuals representing more than one national origin, color, religion, socioeconomic stratum, sexual orientation, etc.
4. a point of difference.
Diversity.. a harsh reality avoided by many, a strategic objective for a plethora of companies, an imperative movement for many minorities, and a controversial topic discussed by the multitude in our society.
If you walk into a room with a Caucasian women, an African American male, an Indian girl, and a Muslim women what are your initial thoughts? Is the Caucasian women racist? Is the African American male a violent thug? Is the Indian girl the smartest person in the room? Ultimately, is the Muslim women a terrorist? If your answer is yes... we have a huge problem. You see, the world has taught us to subconsciously place labels on everyone, before we even get to know that particular person. Not only can the labels be offensive, but they can also reveal a common ignorance. We have all been there. We see a pattern in a gender or nationality and we automatically expect the next person of that gender or race to fall in that category. Unfortunately, that's not how things work.
We live in a world of variety, and differences. Just because two African American women look alike, that doesn't mean that those ladies are even remotely similar. One girl could be a straight basketball player from Wisconsin and the other could be a gay nurse from Alabama. Regardless of those differences, both women should be treated with respect. We tend to jump to conclusions before we get to know the people around us, and where does that leave us? Missing out on blessings. I mean trust me... you can miss out on your soulmate because you are judgmental on their appearance or their race. I promise you, it's not against the law to date outside of your race or have friends of a different sexual orientation.
The issue with only befriending people JUST like you is that there will lack variety in regards to ideas and perspectives. If we only get opinions from people just like us, how will we ever know if we're right or wrong? Of course those people will think just like you... I mean not only are they the same gender as you, they were also raised by parents similar to yours, you guys have the same political views, you share the same sexual orientation AND you grew up in the same city.
Diversity is beautiful. Accept it, and invite an assortment of people into your life. Don't place stereotypical labels on innocent people before you get to know them. We live in a world today where there are African American males that are CEOs, there are Caucasian people fighting for equality for ALL, and those tired stereotypes are tomfoolery. Let's make the decision today to love and not judge, and watch God insert an abundance of unique human beings in our lives.
Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you."