Diversity

            Diversity is variety: a point of difference. Yet, so many people prefer to blend in. Why is that? Many people fear change or being different.  I must admit at first I was afraid of coming out of my “shell.”  Fortunately, I out grew my “shell” and today whether people think I’m crazy or unique, I insist on my diversity.  What makes me stand out, I truly believe, is my Lebanese – American nationality.  I have been brought up with Lebanese traditions and learned to embrace the American culture.  Living in two diverse cultures has helped quench the thirst for knowledge I have for learning about different cultures. 

            In the Lebanese culture, there are over eighteen religions and three official languages that Lebanese all learn to understand and accept.  We, the Lebanese, are the modern day Diaspora! We are a population of twenty million or so, with four million living in Lebanon and the sixteen other million living scattered across all over the world. Each one of us has taken in our own culture and meshed it with the country we live in.  When we all return to Lebanon for visits, we end up teaching other Lebanese about the new cultures we have adapted to.

            Born and raised in America, I have learned the value of freedom and how so many people around the world lack this right we have.  We live in a country that has no limits set for us to express our originality.  Americans live in a melting pot allowing us to merge from all different countries and nationalities in the world.  Teaching friends here about my Lebanese culture and having the opportunity to learn about other cultures are things I enjoy.  Being an American has allowed me to be able to compare the diversity in cultures and see what each culture values. 

            Teaching others about my Lebanese culture is something I love to do.  I feel I have the ability to teach them about things they have never heard of like, foods, traditions, and even a whole new language.  I believe I will bring diversity to a college, not just with my Lebanese culture, but with my curiosity of wanting to learn about different cultures and lifestyles around the world.  Diversity is not just the difference in each person, but the willingness to accept this difference and know how to value uniqueness

joelle . kahale

Tags: سياسة // Add Comment »