Unity In Diversity: Feeling Unified With Others

“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” This is a famous quote, from John F.Kennedy, stated fifty-five years ago. Through Kennedy’s words, it is evident that the concept of diversity has been around for quite some time now. Think about it... what may have “diversity” looked like back then? I think you would agree with me. Diversity was not a prevalent topic within the society. To put it into simple terms, it was not as diverse back in the 1960s. Now, I would like you all to take a look around the classroom... What do you see? What do you notice?

We can all concur upon the fact that within these four confined walls, we experience the presence of diversity. It is quite interesting to see the contrast, between the form of diversity back in the 1960s to how diversity has evolved and has become an integral part in our lives. “Diversity” is one of the most often used words of our times however we do not seem to think about its true meaning. I believe that diversity simply means to understand that each individual is unique and different. It could be along the dimensions of race, gender, age, religion, or other outlooks. The other side to it is finding out these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. This not only leads us to understand and tolerate one another but also to embrace and celebrate the richness of diversity within each individual. With the continued support from the government, we can strengthen the bonds of our national community as we grow more ethnically and racially diverse. Diversity is the key to development. It had played a pivotal role in the history of Canada. According to the Government of Canada, one in five Canadians are foreign-born, which is the highest among the G7 countries. Furthermore, as we all know, Canada is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Nations, which is now an intergovernmental association of fifty-three countries.

Sixteen countries, including Canada of the 53 member countries is called, “The Commonwealth Realms,” with their Head of State, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I believe if we strive for” Unity in diversity” the future of our country will have no bounds. Unity in diversity is a concept of “unity without uniformity and diversity without fragmentation.” Our schools are great places to site as examples that show diversity. Living in linguistically and culturally diverse communities are interesting and stimulating, and provides all students and teachers with valuable opportunities for cultural enrichment and global education. Even though diversity is something that is deeply valued and quite prominent within the society, it is essential to understand the fact of how each and everyone of us have similar educational needs. According to “The Report of the Royal Commission on Education,” people must begin “to learn how to be economically self-sufficient, how to participate in the lives of their communities, how to understand the world in which they live in, how to enjoy the benefits of the Canadian society, and how to raise the next generation” (The Reports of the Royal Commission on Education, A Legacy for Learners). 

In addition, it is stated in “The Report of the Royal Commission on Education” how our schools are noble institutions which “help us to preserve the desiderata of language rights, diverse cultural heritages, social equality and justice through recognition of individual differences. This in turn enables all learners to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy, democratic society and a prosperous economy” (The Reports of the Royal Commission on Education, A Legacy for Learners). However, in order to fulfill this objective, it is essential for the education board to continue rendering a persistent, steady atmosphere of how the differences among learners of all ages does not interfere with their involvement in school, inhibit them to embrace their true identities, or their capability to become well-rounded individuals for tomorrow. Before I conclude I would like to draw your attention to a very strong, meaningful quote from Kofi Annan, “ We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race.”