Don’t worry, lords and ladies of the realm, I’ll finish my promised post next week! But today is the Princesses’ home state’s point day in the DC40 campaign and we want your help! We believe that the words we speak into the universe, be they prayers, spells, or simply words of purpose, have resonance beyond the whisper or shout (or click of a keyboard) they make. When many voices speak as one, it’s a powerful thing. Today people across the US are speaking out to homogenize the United States under their definition of faith, and they’re focusing on Texas. (If you’re unfamiliar with DC40 or the NAR and want to learn more, see the article linked above, my article on The Response or Jason Pitzl-Water’s many discussions of this topic over at The Wild Hunt.)
Here at The Pagan Princesses we’d love to have as many comments as possible speaking wishes and expressions of joy for a diverse nation. What do you love about America being a mosaic nation, a composition where different pieces intermingle but still retain their individuality? How does America’s diversity make us stronger? If you’re not from the US, how do you believe diversity in America can be better for the world?
Even if you don’t have something specific to say, a “Huzzah†or “Amen†or other noise of support counts as a voice chiming in. Please send as many people as you can to raise their voices! What we speak with purpose echoes with meaning and power. Let’s make a clamor.
Jax says…
To me, diversity means living in harmony despite differences. It means respecting other people’s views. It means creating a more beautiful, more powerful nation. I’m so grateful I live in a country where I can be myself and find strength and comfort through faith in a way that works best for me, even if it’s not the same as the majority. May the gods bless America as she strives to be a nation diverse in looks, beliefs, and ideas.
GG says…
I grew up in a place where diversity and multiculturalism were part of the fabric in my community (Homestead, FL — 30 miles south of Miami), making it easy for me to embrace diversity. Its hard for me to understand people who have trouble with difference. And as I have learned over time, they have a hard time understanding me and my acceptance of grey (versus black and white). So I will spend today reaching and wishing for a way to bridge the gap between us. Or at least for a way to start the conversation about the value of diversity. And on a (very) practical note, I would like to point out that diversity in America is a boon to capitalism. It attracts tourism and trade to our nation and to our state (Texas).
+ Featured Image: Painting The Colours of Diversity Mural by Rebekahanthony
8 comments
Lupa says:
Oct 25, 2011
Diversity means accepting not only the fact that there are people of numerous races, sexes, genders, sexualities, cultures, politics, spiritualities (to include none at all), physical and mental abilities and challenges, economic and educational levels, and other social locations; but also that not everyone has equal standing, here in the U.S., and privilege may be given to some simply by virtue of the accident of their birth. True acceptance of diversity is not just acknowledging the differences, but facing the hard truth that pretending to be racially color blind or culturally neutral does not erase discrimination, oppression, or social injustice.
Lupa says:
Oct 25, 2011
(And then I went and riffed on it more, because you got my brain juices flowing again even though I was *this* close to heading to bed: http://therioshamanism.com/2011/10/25/a-brief-note-on-diversity/ )
(Thanks for the prompt!)
Kallan Kennedy says:
Oct 25, 2011
For me, it isn’t just about accepting differences.. it’s about embracing and celebrating them. I love our cultural diversity here in this country!
Wenndy says:
Oct 25, 2011
I think diversity means not only being aware of the different cultures that surround you but also respecting them. As someone who comes to the US from a different country (Colombia) I am grateful to live in a country where I can be myself and embrace my original culture while still embracing the cultures my family and I have adopted in the US. Diversity is beautiful and it should be respected and celebrated.
Greenman says:
Oct 25, 2011
Diversity means accepting and encouraging differences, valuing and including those you disagree with or even dislike
TheScott says:
Oct 25, 2011
Wow, I really can’t add anything to the definition of diversity. (Though some lines in Anchorman are popping into my head.) I can add my support. Our forefathers went to war and died for our freedom, and being a diverse country of religion, race, hobbies, haircuts…anything is one way we can honor them.
TheScott
Kristina says:
Oct 26, 2011
Diversity is the color of the world. If the plans of the prejudiced were to come to fruition, we as a species would dwindle to a sad, monochromatic palette. Many great and terrible things come from diversity. But the bad does not come from diversity itself, but from the fear of those who don’t understand or want to understand other people. I say celebrate the difference in cultures between people. And learn about different people and how they live.
Charles says:
Oct 27, 2011
Diversity, at the minimum, means accepting that the best/smartest/wisest person can only hold so much knowledge/awareness/Truth/G(g)od in her head, and others’ portions can enhance or expand your own.