It’s Our Diversity that Makes Us Unique
Today Americans of all colors, ethnicities, beliefs, and backgrounds come together to celebrate the founding of our great nation, where we have the right to express each of our contradicting views. And that’s what’s so great about America — we have the right to disagree, but more importantly we have the tolerance to agree to disagree. At the end of the day, we can all come together and celebrate our differences, as it’s our diversity that makes us unique.
Today everyone will no doubt be grilling hotdogs and hamburgers, watching fireworks, and (let’s be honest) getting a little bit tipsy, and that’s perfect. Unwinding with friends and family is always a great thing. Eat lots of food, take lots of pictures, and don’t be afraid to indulge yourself — I promise, that extra hotdog isn’t going to be the end of you, you’re gorgeous.
But in the midst of all the excitement, take a few moments to truly appreciate the freedom, liberty, and abundance we’ve come to expect daily. Take a moment to remember. Remember all the troops who fought, revolutionaries who challenged, and dreamers who dared. All of whom played a pivotal role in making this country what it is today.
This is a place where people of all identities are not only welcomed but cherished. We might be different, but at the end of the day we’re all Americans. Oftentimes we’re compared to a melting pot, but I think the “salad bowl” comparison is more appropriate. Some people get offended talking about how this comparison is all about “political correctness” and wanting to be “different and not American.” I disagree. I think this comparison is why America is so great. We don’t lose our individual identities, but add to it. We become parts of a greater whole. We have our separate races, religions, skin colors, and ideologies, but we also have an overarching identity that transcends all of these — American.
A true American is someone who is compassionate, accepting, and most importantly, willing to fight for others to practice their freedoms despite whether he or she agrees with them or not, because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes we don’t practice what we preach. Sometimes we let fear get in the way. But I’d like to believe that we all have these values at heart.
I might not look like what a lot of people consider to be an “American,” but I love this country. I love what it stands for. And I truly believe this is the greatest country in the world. Happy Fourth of July.
