Posted by
Rich on Saturday, March 08, 2008 2:52:07 PM
E pluribus unum,
the motto found on the Great Seal of the United States, was adopted by
an Act of Congress in 1782. Originally suggesting that out of many
colonies or states emerged a single nation, it has come to represent
the bedrock ideal that out of many peoples, races, and ancestries has
emerged a single people and nation.
In a recent editorial by Tom Tryon titled, "Unity within diversity colors the canvas of our communities" the concept of unity versus diversity is raised.
Tom points out, "Embracing Our Differences is sponsored by Coexistence Inc.,
a local nonprofit organization directed by both quiet and outspoken
community leaders." This group asked Tom to comment on their upcoming
event, which "demonstrate[s] in a positive way that diversity enriches
our lives.".
Tom makes several statements that we fully agree
with. Tom calls for an, "equal commitment to finding, supporting and
celebrating common values that promote the common good."
Tom
points out that, "One of the world's pre-eminent social scientists,
Robert Putnam, has written that his research has shown that diversity
can pose a threat to social cohesion if it's not accompanied by
commitments -- by individuals, by communities -- to bridging
differences and building social solidarity."
Finally, Tom says,
"it's equally vital for people and communities to pursue and foster
solidarity built upon common belief in fundamental principles and
inalienable rights. Differences can define and bond, but they can also
divide -- deeply, as history has shown."
After reading Tom's
column we went to the Coexistence, Inc. website. We were troubled by a
quote on the site by Tom Robbins, a writer who has supported the use of
hallucinogenic drugs in some of his books. We called Michael Shelton,
Executive Director of Coexistence, Inc. about this quote. A voice mail
from Mr. Shelton indicated that it was from an old site (a link to the quote is on the current site and goes to the page with forms to request school bus support).
Mr. Shelton also said on the voice mail that he didn't think the quote
was a problem but it generally reflected the idea behind the Embracing
our Differences event.
The Robbins' quote is, " “Equality
is not in regarding different things similarly, equality is in
regarding different things differently.” This comment appears on the
surface divisive and not in keeping with what Tom Tryon says in his
column and what most Americans believe.
We called Michael back
to thank him for responding to our first call about the Tom Robbins
quote. We got his voice mail and left a message saying we had another
question for him. This second question was about what Tom said in his
column about the need to build social solidarity. Michael never
returned our second call.
We wrote an earlier column, "Diversity exhibit in Sarasota?" outlining our concerns that "diversity" is code for "multiculturalism" and "diversity politics".
Multiculturalism
advocates a society that extends equitable status to distinct cultural
and religious groups, no one culture predominating. Advocates for the
adoption of official policies of multiculturalism often argue that
cultural diversity is a positive force for a society's nationhood or
cultural identity.
Multiculturalism contrasts with
monoculturalism. Monoculturalism implies a normative cultural unity or
cultural homogeneity. Where a nation has accepted high levels of
immigration, monoculturalism has been accompanied by varieties of
assimilationist policies and practices to encourage forms of
acculturation to (and protection of) the norms of the dominant culture.
The
United States is based on monoculturalism. Peoples of diverse ethnic,
religious, educational, social and cultural backgrounds come to the
United States to become Americans.
We believe the time and money
spent on a "diversity and tolerance" exhibit would be put to better use
teaching our children about our Declaration of Independence, Bill of
Rights and Constitution. Maybe next year we can have a "United We
Stand" exhibit in Sarasota sponsored by Coexistence, Inc.
We
hope Coexistence, Inc., the Steering Committee and those that attend
the event get the message that we are one people, one state and a
unique nation in this world.
We hope all, especially the
children, learn at the Embracing Our Difference event that we are truly
"one nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for all".