Submitted by Coralina on Sat, 04/14/2007 - 20:03
Ethnicity is a part of each and everyone of us - a part of our ancient culture that we inherit upon birth and embrace for it is part of who we are ~
Yes be joyful for who we are - but from birth through our long journey of life we are also a combination of all our life's experiences - making each individual so unique, so individual that no one ever was or will ever be just like you or me again ~
When people use stereotypes to relate or connect to another individual - it dehumanizes that person ...for we are not relating to the uniqueness of that person and who he or she really is ~
(Another danger is that some actually live their lives according to a stereotype such as some extreme religious groups, etc ...)
In history stereotypes have been used to abuse and inflict so much pain upon innocent people including the act of war ~ My wish is that globally nations and individuals embrace one another, take the time to learn and understand one another, and see beyond the stereotypes, see beyond race, religions, etc...and start seeing each precious and special child, man and woman of Mother Earth for that unique person that we all are ~
5 comments for "look beyond - into the soul".
1. related quote ~
"At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being,
only once on this earth;
and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is,
ever be put together a second time."
Friedrich Nietzsche
2. Snowflakes.....
Bravo Coralina! - nicely said!! - Thanks for sharin with us all yer thoughts about a very important topic in today's society ~ Stereotypes & cultures ~
With so many individuals being immigrants from other countries, of all different kinds of ethnicities, races & social status.....stereotyping is a very sensitive subject for lots......and as the world becomes more populated (currently at 6.5 billion) -- technology connecting us all together.......It is something that needs to be addressed ~
Think of a snowflake - Each one is so unique and one-of-its-kind......yet is made from the same elements and from the same cloud --- We are of so many different unique cultures & backgrounds.....yet we are one people - the human race - It doesn't matter where we come from, And our life's experiences have made us all one-of-a-kind snowflakes with our own life stories.........
As Coralinni says, such generalizing of people dehumanizes and may lead to hurt & damaged emotions......which can lead to hatred --- Love cannot exist if hateful feelings are strong........It makes me sad to see that this is still happening today.....:-(
Being a proud ethnic American myself, i had to deal at times with certain stereotyping (and my familia too) - and it gets real old........Whenever I mention my Mediterranean roots, particularly my Sicilian side, some think I am connected to the Mob, i own a donkey.....have my hair slicked back n' say...."howyadoooin???" --or even worse, thinkin' it's da same thing as Italiano (both being separate ethnicities).......that i'm a die-hard opera fan or i'm a catholic or somethin.....Which i'm neither of them ~
Or even my Latino side, that i'm into reggaeton or being associated w/ tacos n' burritos & pinatas ---- Even tho one is proud of one's heritage.......one has their own likes & things associated to them.........
One of my fav comedians, Carlos Mencia (he krazzy!) - is a proud latino tambien, but he also dislikes stereotyping......even pokin fun of his own background & races to make a point.......his shows always start with a mariachi band, pinatas & tacos.......and he comes out and says out loud, "THIS IS NOT MEE!!! -- this is who i am"......And it cuts to Heavy Rock blastin' n' krazzzy video effects n' u see him bein like a typical American w/ attitude -- HAHAA!!
It's not just ethnicity, but nationalities and social status as well......Some may look at a well-dressed rich guy who at first glance might look like a total snoot.......and might turn out to be just as hip n' fun as da kool rocker down da street! -- Ya never know!! ;) ;)
As in da Bible, let us not judge one another......put aside such things and love each other as individuals with our own unique qualities.......Only then will be able to bring peace into this world.........
~ Peace, Love, Joy ~
3. one of a kind
Yannaki - Your comment is so beautiful and filled with divine understanding of the human spirit ...We should all continue to celebrate our uniqueness...and I love your imagery of the snowflakes ...all made from the same cloud ~
Your insight into the stereotypes of your ethnic backgound as an example was well said ...and made its point with clarity ...in your own unique style...;-) !!
Peace, love, stay safe and always keep a joyful heart ~
4. The youth are opening their minds
Coralina and Yannaki, Great comments and discussion about stereotypes. I have been busy with my children and I have been following all these mindful discussion and just begging to have time to reply. Stereotypes and generalizations are so very hurtful. I am doing a whole theme unit with my Grade Ten English classes about Diversity and how it has two very distinct sides. One of celebration and the beauty of variety in culture and ethnicity, socio-economic status, religionetc.. but diversity can also be used by many to oppress, disempower and exploit those who are different from the dominant group in a community.
The initial reactions and reponses in our discussions have made me feel so comforted. They are seeing the stereotypes in the media and they are great at social deconstruction of hidden message and agendas. Most of them really do want the world to be a better and more loving place. I will share more of my experiences with them over the course of the next three weeks. They are 15 and 16 years of age but many of them really care about social justice and equity.
I'll leave you with excerpts of quotations that are very dear to my heart,
From the book Sacred Path of The Warrior
"...there is a basic human wisdom that can help to solve the world's problems. This wisdom does not belong to any one culture or religion, nor does it come only from the West or the East. Rather, it is a tradition of human warriorship that has existed in many cultures at many times throughout history. "
" warriorship here does not mean one who makes war but comes from the Tibetan pawo, meaning 'one who is brave"..." fearlessness of who we ourselves are prevents the selfishness which prevents us from bravely accepting others... "we can be heroic and kind at the same time when facing the world's problems."
- Chogyam Tungpa Rimpoche
Tolerance, love and freindship
Alfalfasprout ( AKA yummy)
5. classroom topic
15 and 16 is such an important time in one's life when formulating how we view life, the world and one another ~ What a great idea to lead a class discussion on diversity and I have no doubt that some of your students amazed you with their insight on this topic~ Also, the poem is beautiful ~
Some recent stories in the news, like Don Imus' comment about the girl's basketball team, is disheartening ...From the days of Martin Luther King when blacks were made to sit in the back of the bus, a comment like that make's one think we have made no progress ... and even some rap music contains such language and this is such a great influence on the minds of the listeners - Music is such a powerful force in people's lives ~