The topic of celebrating people’s differences is very important to me. We are a community regardless of geographical location. This is where I believe society has failed. Yes, we may appear visibly different however on the inside we are the same. We are human, we are people.
When I moved to the mainland I discovered that there were some that didn’t like me. Not because of who I was (because I am fantastic), but because of where I came from. Most had no clue where Puerto Rico was or had any idea of what the culture was like. They just chose to not like me due to olive skin and some sort of accent different than there’s.
I was called, “wet back” and then they would ask for my green card to be mean. I’m like, “you’re thinking of the wrong Spanish.” lol I had never been called names or been looked at differently so it was a long road. I always grew up celebrating people in general. You know who they were as people. Good people of course!
Later in high school, I made lots of friends with diverse backgrounds and we all got along great. We would celebrate our differences and would even make fun of some of the quirks. I think this is what we should do. We should be playful and not take ourselves too seriously. I do not agree with making fun of others that you don’t know, because that’s just not right.
My close friends would say funny things that were known about Puerto Ricans. They would joke and say where’s your machete? It was always hysterical to me. I of course had one safely at my home. My grandfather always used them in the yard to cut down things or to open coconuts. Good times.
If we can play and enjoy each other’s worlds we would go a long way to actually connecting and growing with one another. To me, it would be a ridiculously boring world if everyone was the same. I don’t think I would have a grand desire to different lands if it was this way. Touching new ground and meeting people that have different histories and ways of life is so rewarding to me. I thrive on connection. Talk to me about who you are, where you came from, and what’s next. I became a humanitarian and I love meeting others.
We need to celebrate each other’s differences and learn what it’s like to be someone else. What did they go through? Did society reject them in some way or another? When we understand we can then bridge that gap. It’s important to learn about others so that we can be better people as a whole.
No, we don’t have to agree with everyone’s choices, habits, customs, or whatever, but please be open to learning about each other. Never criticize others in a mean way, especially if you don’t know them. Once you get to know people and they are a part of your crew then just enjoy each other. Celebrate diversity at home and at work. Learn the differences and stop being so darn closed-minded.
Conclusion
When we understand who we are as a person we can then understand others. Be open, be kind, be empathic. Life is so much better when we can enjoy the amazing differences and likenesses of each other.
