Mixing it up
Being Chinese, I am able to open certain doors that others cannot.
I can bring a new angle to situations because of my ethnic background,
just like anyone else representing a certain culture. For example
I can speak personally about life in Hong Kong because my grandparents
lived there. I believe that any kind of diversity does only good
on our world and its youth. Different cultures provide different
viewpoints, different beliefs and different ways of living, which
expands minds and encourages personal growth. However, in today’s
culture, especially in the United States, awareness of diversity
seems to have faltered, and I am personally trying to fight that.
Although in reality a person can learn about different cultures
from anyone, it is special when someone representing that certain
ethnicity speaks about it. If everyone did their part and educated
others about their own backgrounds, the world would be a more
understanding place. That being said, I often talk to my friends
about Chinese traditions or holidays I celebrate so they become
more aware of the existence of events other than Christmas. This
also prompts other people to talk about their own special customs.
Pretty soon, we are learning about each other and gaining knowledge
about different parts of the world. I love how with a little group
of friends and a good discussion, one can visit all the corners
of the world without ever having to get up. All I had to contribute
was the spark of interest.
I am very proud of my heritage, and try to show it as often
as I can. I wear silk shirts on Chinese New Year to school and
by doing do my friends would think about different cultures, even
if it were just for a second. I also bring red pockets to hand
out, which always spark interest and conversation among my peers.
The important thing is to not just speak about a multicultural
world, but to display a multicultural world. People would be more
conscious of diversity if they were immersed in it. I try to do
my part by literally showing my Chinese background to my friends.
I do not always have to initiate diversity or awareness of multicultural
world around us. I also support groups who work for this cause.
I am part of the diversity club at my high school, and we are
very passionate about what we do. My personal contribution to
this is working and volunteering a lot of my effort into insuring
the success of each thing the club does. We host several assemblies
throughout the year, each one celebrating a different culture.
The diversity club promotes diversity week at Park Tudor, where
we encourage the student body to represent their culture by dressing
up, playing music on our open mike or sampling different foods
that we provide during lunch. Our activities work extremely well
because we have enthusiastic students, and this way we increase
awareness.
We live in a very large world, and to a single person, it might
be daunting to try and contribute to it. However, giving to the
cause of a multicultural world does not take masses of numbers
to make a difference. One person and educate another, and even
there, the cause has spread. Fortunately, I understand this concept
and believe strongly in diversity and culture. It keeps us open-minded,
which in my opinion help us advance as humans. I am trying to
contribute to society on behalf of diversity, and I think I have
been succeeding. Hopefully, more people will take the cue and
follow suit. |
