An Idea for America

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An Idea for America

In midst of all the political, religious and corporate posturing in recent

months and years regarding immigration I felt the need to write again

about our collective need to adhere to the idea of America. When some

are quicker to come to support a proposition than people and theres a

debate for which one you should advocate, something has gone wrong in

the land of liberty.

The influx of immigrants and political or religious refugee populations

seems to have increased each year. Populations that are represented by

not only people from Latin America, but also Chinese, Cambodians,

Laotians, Arabs, Somalians and the Kurdish to name a few. Not only do

these populations routinely experience racial and cultural discrimination,

but routinely experience religious intolerance, bigotry and alienation.

No longer is it only a Black & White society, but a multicultural society.

Cultural ignorance, ethnic bigotry, unconscious discrimination and our

implicit biases towards one another is no longer acceptable. We must

Social Analysis Credits:

Date: December 7, 2010

Author: Timothy A. Valentine

Page: 1Social A al sis


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consider others beyond our own understanding and social experiences

for one that yields to learning before teaching.

Within the borders of the United States the racial and cultural demo-

graphics continue to change towards a more inclusive and diverse ways.

This reality brings forth the need for better understanding of cultures that

are different than yours.

Throughout the history of the United States we learned by our collective

experiences of how difficult it is for some people and communities to

accept other cultures with the same measure of acceptance as they offer

their own. Through intense and difficult struggles come our opportuni-

ties for accepting people that appear to be different than you.

The ideal image of what is American is not the same for us all. Those

who we have labeled as immigrants are fearful when entering this coun-

try. What is lost upon the thought process and reporting on immigration

is the fact that we are speaking about people as if they were not human.

This must end if we are to adhere to the idea of America.






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We all must keep in mind that we all are encountering a culture that is

different than our own. Excuse the apprehension for the opportunity for

cultural comprehension. The best way to overcome the unknown begins

with a smile, a considerate conversation or a demonstration of respect.

Speaking from the perspective of lifelong personal experiences, I can

say that it is an absolute honor to have friends of multiple races, creeds,

nationalities and religious beliefs and non-beliefs. You gain a spectacular

view of the world when you can see it from more perspectives than you

own.

When we consider all that diversity has to offer, why would you want

anything else?

The beauty and ugliness of this country along with the world simply is

found within the actions of its people. Often it is misrepresented by

those who believe they are the only or best example of what we are.

Their promotion of propositions, ordinances and legislation that essen-

tially supports a form of sophisticated segregation does not agree with

what the founders of this country put on paper.






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The support of English-Only initiatives, debate over Dont Ask Dont

Tell, Anti-Islam rhetoric and actions, the Arizona Immigration Law

along with the usual implicit racial bias towards President Obama, the

Jewish Community, Blacks, Hispanic, Asian and those who are bi-racial

or in an interracial relationship all sends an ugly and unwelcoming mes-

sage that tells them they do not belong here.

Just like the signs of segregation that hung with prominence throughout

the South decades ago and the political polarization today by unnamed

parties, the message remains the same; you dont belong here.

Im suggesting that we seek to begin a dialogue of understanding, con-

sideration and mutual respect of one another. We know there are differ-

ences that some may not be aware of or accustom to, but respect has no

boundaries and consideration is has no limits.

Consider how you would feel in such a situation?






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The world is not made up of only what you are. You are only a piece of

the puzzle that makes up such a society, so become a better neighbor. If

or when you unconsciously say something stupid or even racist, a simple

apology to express that you are unfamiliar with the culture will usually

can carry you further than staunch conservatism. I say conservatism is

not meant in political terms, but as being defined as an unmovable or

demonstrating unwillingness towards change.

When you encounter the individual who sees you for what you are more

than who you are, do not waste much energy trying to prove them

wrong. Often their mind is made up in such a way no one can shed light

on what is dark to them. Simply allow time and history is their teacher

for it delivers a message that they can not deny as much as they may try.

Now is the time to move on. Let those who desire for days that has long

past remain planted there. No one will will say that we never tried. We

must plant the seeds that makes of this old world a new world.





An Idea for America

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