Self-Defense & Violence Prevention Blog

America is strong because of our diversity

The United States always proud as a home to a rich diversity of ethnic and cultural groups. America is strong because of its diversity. Known as the great “melting-pot” of the world, American democracy is founded on respect for individual differences. Those differences in culture, religion, ideas, and ethnicity have contributed to the strength and richness of our country.

Problem-Today we have an increasing number of crimes motivated by hatred or bias (Hate Crime Statistics: http://theyaboutus.com/Statistics.htm )

Not since the turn of the century has the United States experienced as much diversity as in the last two decades. While this diversity has given our country its vitality and cultural richness, it has also caused some serious problems including racism, prejudice, discrimination, and lack of respect for one another. Today we have an increasing number of crimes motivated by hatred or bias. Much of the violence that humanity suffers in our times is rooted in misunderstanding as well as in the rejection of the values and identity of different cultures. ( Find Famous Quotes & Famous Sayings about Hate Crime at http://theyaboutus.com/FamousQuotes.htm).

In the current situations, the biggest problem & inappropriate behavior is that some people, by generalizing the actions of a few members of certain ethnic or cultural groups, are judging and hating that group as a whole. Hate crime was and still is one of the biggest issues for our society and for a whole World. The worst manifestations of hate crime and racism are Genocide, Massacres, Fascism & most of the Wars. (From http://theyaboutus.com/HateCrime.htm find out more about Genocide, Massacres & Hate Crime-Studies, Photos, Videos).

Groups of people should not be judged by the actions of a few. It is wrong to condemn an entire group of people by association of religion, race, homeland, or even proximity. No one likes to be blamed or threatened for the actions of others. All people deserve to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity.

Solution-Understanding Other Cultures & Respecting Cultural Differences

Understanding Culture

The first step to becoming a confident, effective inter-cultural communicator is knowing how to communicate your own culture — and yourself — to others. The knowledge of cultural differences, and self-knowledge of how we respond to these differences can help make us aware of hidden prejudices and stereotypes that can be barriers to tolerance, understanding, and good communication. Which of your cultural values do you value most? Which of your cultural beliefs and experiences would you most like to share and celebrate with others? The more you understand your own cultural beliefs, values, and attitudes, the better prepared you will be to recognize, understand, and accept the cultural beliefs and behaviors of others and the world will become a wonderful, peaceful — and fun place to live!

Respecting Cultural Differences

Cultural differences exist among groups of people with different backgrounds, histories and heritages. In order to achieve world peace, we must all desire to acquire a healthy respect for different people and cultures. Respecting cultural differences leads to tolerance of cultural differences, and tolerance leads to peace.

When we start to respect one another’s differences, we can begin to respect our similarities, and the cultural barriers come tumbling down! To help stop stereotypical thinking and/or behaviors before they start, we must follow the Golden Rule. You may know the Golden Rule as treat others as you would like to be treated. But did you know that a version of the Golden Rule exists in just about every culture? The rule is there. We, together, just need to follow it.( http://www.TheyAboutUs.com )