Loving Those With Differences
One of my dream vacations would be a trip to India. I think it would be so cool to visit the beaches and deserts, see elephants and camels and explore the historical architecture there. Like several other cultures, I am fascinated by the different beliefs and traditions in India. They have a collectivistic culture, meaning the family is central to their communities and their lives. So much so, that occasionally parents will arrange marriages for their children. Common households are often three to four generations large. Families in India stick together and issues in the family will traditionally take priority over individual plans. Families are viewed similarly in Afghanistan and several other countries. In most Asian cultures, parents will have fewer children and when the children grow up, they often care and provide for their parents. The elderly are highly respected and usually live with their children and grandchildren. Some tribes in South Africa practice a form of polygamy and others live together in the home of the eldest son. Household structures vary around the world with different cultures and beliefs. Cultures we are raised in become much more than a set of values and traditions, but part of who we are, it affects the way children are raised and treated.
I think the fact that there are so many differences among the human race (whether it be culture, ethnicity, religious beliefs, social class etc.) makes it so easy for us to judge one another. At times we may not even be aware of it. We may find ourselves in a mindset that only accepts and loves people who are like us. There are false assumptions about every culture which cause others to judge or think less of them simply because something they do or believe is unfamiliar. I think that it is natural to be wary of what is unknown to us. But I also believe its so important to seek to understand others and their differences, we don't have to agree with what they believe. Making judgements based on what we do not know is not only unfair to those we judge, but to us as well. We miss out on seeing the beauty of different cultures and stories of the people around us. Several of my friends from high school grew up in different cultures than I did. Though they couldn't speak English as well as me and it was difficult sometimes to make connections, I learned so much and grew from those friendships. A friend from Portugal told me about how her family came to America so that she could have a better chance of getting the education she wanted. Her family had to go through the difficult process of becoming citizens and then finding jobs and basically starting over here. On top of all of that they had to learn and entirely new language and their courage and strength through it all inspired me. Another of my friends was adopted from China in her early teens, it was interesting to see that she was amazed by customs here that are normal to me but so different in China.
Diversities among people can be beautiful and inspiring. I would encourage you all to focus on understanding others before making assumptions about them. There are several values and practices some people have that I don't support or agree with. But, I don't believe that I should judge them simply because I disagree. It is alright to have differences and completely possible to still love those we disagree with. In fact, it is not just possible but essential that we try to love those we are different from. The world would be a better place if we all sought first to understand one another before seeking to be understood. That perspective could change the way we see others, especially those who are different from us, even within our own families. I believe that in most cases showing love to family members with differences will be more beneficial to the relationship than persuading them to think or act differently. Families are meant to be a safe place where members can feel love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Kindness can go so much further than you think.
I think the fact that there are so many differences among the human race (whether it be culture, ethnicity, religious beliefs, social class etc.) makes it so easy for us to judge one another. At times we may not even be aware of it. We may find ourselves in a mindset that only accepts and loves people who are like us. There are false assumptions about every culture which cause others to judge or think less of them simply because something they do or believe is unfamiliar. I think that it is natural to be wary of what is unknown to us. But I also believe its so important to seek to understand others and their differences, we don't have to agree with what they believe. Making judgements based on what we do not know is not only unfair to those we judge, but to us as well. We miss out on seeing the beauty of different cultures and stories of the people around us. Several of my friends from high school grew up in different cultures than I did. Though they couldn't speak English as well as me and it was difficult sometimes to make connections, I learned so much and grew from those friendships. A friend from Portugal told me about how her family came to America so that she could have a better chance of getting the education she wanted. Her family had to go through the difficult process of becoming citizens and then finding jobs and basically starting over here. On top of all of that they had to learn and entirely new language and their courage and strength through it all inspired me. Another of my friends was adopted from China in her early teens, it was interesting to see that she was amazed by customs here that are normal to me but so different in China.
Diversities among people can be beautiful and inspiring. I would encourage you all to focus on understanding others before making assumptions about them. There are several values and practices some people have that I don't support or agree with. But, I don't believe that I should judge them simply because I disagree. It is alright to have differences and completely possible to still love those we disagree with. In fact, it is not just possible but essential that we try to love those we are different from. The world would be a better place if we all sought first to understand one another before seeking to be understood. That perspective could change the way we see others, especially those who are different from us, even within our own families. I believe that in most cases showing love to family members with differences will be more beneficial to the relationship than persuading them to think or act differently. Families are meant to be a safe place where members can feel love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Kindness can go so much further than you think.
Comments
Post a Comment