To many people America is known as “The Potluck of Cultures” and that’s just what we should embrace. With so many different cultures collecting in one singularity it’s important for us as a nation to take advantage of the opportunities that such a diverse group may bring. If we can learn to appreciate that diversity we can achieve a much higher sense of community and unity. If we can’t come together as a nation, community, or family we will cease to grow and develop which will cause us to wither, become distant, and crumble as a society.
The neighbors and families of Staten Island have found a great way to appreciate, understand, and embrace “The Potluck of Cultures” that we call home. After September 11 the inhabitants of the Island were torn between feelings of fear and anger which eventually led to a chauvinistic life style. The NYCID organized a meeting, to happen once a month, which would “Celebrate Diversity!” with the leaders of the civic, religious, and political communities. After several meetings they decided to spread these meetings for peace out to the community to help build relations between them and strengthen the communal ties. This event at Wagner College brought several opportunities for anybody willing to give good participation to local growth and development, teach their children how to grow diversely and complexly, and spread and understand the stories of their neighbors.
Westminster could learn a few things from the families of Staten Island because the student, faculty, and staff bodies here are so diverse and made of so many different people from so many different cultures. Knowing that we have such a small campus we have the potential to connect with those who don’t come from the same background that we do. Learning how to accept, understand, and embrace the lifestyles, religions, and quirks of our campus can enlighten us on how to become a community. Westminster College needs find some way to get its inhabitants involved in connecting with each other.
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