Missionaries of the Sacred

Combating Hate by Celebrating Diversity PDF Print
Thursday, 22 July 2010 11:13
image from istockphoto, "Two of a Kind" by usermane: MarkPapas  image from istockphoto, by username:  Paha_L image from istockphoto, username: reflekta

Another way to respond to groups that promote hate is to celebrate the diversity within your community. Hate groups tend to play on fear, xenophobia, blame and jealousy, and to attempt to dehumanize all people who are members of the target group. People are often afraid of the unknown or that which is different, and groups that promote hate often use this fear to promote their agenda. The less people know about other groups, the more easily they can be manipulated into fearing all members of that group.

Celebrating diversity can bring the community together and help overcome fears based on our differences in traditions, food, language, etc. God made each of us in His image, and so there is no reason to fear someone just because they might speak a different language than we do, or look different from us, or come from a different country or socioeconomic background, or practice a different religion, or eat different food. Indeed, these differences can enrich our lives. Consider attending events that offer an opportunity to learn more about another culture, such as festivals dedicated to the food and traditions of a particular country or region of the world, or interfaith events which bring together people of different religions. Such events can help us appreciate our differences and they also demonstrate that the community as a whole recognizes the dignity of all of its members, no matter their religion, race, ethnicity, national origin, etc.