Diversity...tolerance...huh?

Yesterday we had "tolerance" training at work.

While I know they are good intentioned, I can't help but wonder what the exact purpose of it was.

It's not like the field we work in is homogeneous. We inherently have a diverse population we work with and serve.

This field is not for racists, bigots, or those who devalue any human - because if so, then you have one awful day of work after another, as you are surrounded by any number of "diverse" people.

Black, white, gay, straight, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, foreign...etc.

True this goes for other fields as well, what I'm trying to point out is that we picked and work in this fields because we have open minds and open hearts.

It seemed that it was preaching to the choir...or maybe there's a problem I was not aware of.

It got me to thinking though...we are soooo concerned with our differences. And differences are good, between people, as it can be a nice spice to life...who wants cut outs of each other?

But we focus so much on the OBVIOUS differences. Black/white...straight/gay...man/woman.

These things we focus on, and call out when we see someone of a different ______ either a victim or aggressor.

Yet, we gloss over many, many, many other differences that we hold against each other. And, by doing so, as well may overshadow the REAL reason behind someones hate, or prejudice...it just might NOT BE because someone is black, but because of....you name it, it can be anything.

Looking at the obvious, doesn't get to the core, and doesn't change of offer solutions.

But one solution came to mind.

C.S. Lewis had written a letter to someone about the difference in Christianity. Mainly, protestant vs. catholic.

He said something to the fact that point out each other differences (and pointing out how one side is right and the other wrong) won't bring the two sides any closer.

Lewis said through charity would both sides become closer. Through charity, we'd forget about the differences, and focus on the greater good.

I believe this can be said for "human relations" as well.

Perhaps that's why in the field I work in, many diverse people CAN get along so well. (I'm not saying LIKE or LOVE) but get along...get work done DESPITE any differences.

Through charity, through coming together for the greater good, the greater need, we not only won't focus on the differences, but will realise that it ultimately doesn't matter, and that WE ALL are in this together.

Many of our differences are not our choice, thus even we shouldn't be proud, or point them out...many of our differences are our choice - for good or ill.

Either way, if we think of the other man more, we think of ourselves less. If we think of ourselves less, we won't notice that anyone is any different.

That is what God was trying to get at with the commandments...(but that's another rant)