Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "diversity"

Conventional wisdom holds that authors shouldn't blog about politics... or religion... or anything remotely controversial... unless the subject matter is directly related to our work.
I suppose we're supposed to play it safe in order to preserve our marketability and guarantee our books keep selling.
But those of you who know me personally or read this blog know I'm not the type to play it safe.
Take last week's posting, for instance. I boldly stated my belief that people are way too easily offended and vowed that I will never be politically correct.
This week I'm tackling something even more controversial. Specifically, I've decided to respond to some extremely offensive comments made by none other than Ann Coulter. Yes, I'm referring to her comments about soccer.
Among other things, the conservative columnist purportedly said that no one whose great-grandfather was born here is watching soccer. Of course she didn't have the guts to come out and say what she really meant. The insinuation was perfectly clear: Real Americans don't watch soccer .
Well, as we prepare to celebrate our country's indpendence, let me tell you a few things about real Americans, Ms. Coulter.
Real Americans don't always agree.
Real Americans know how to voice their opinions in a civilized manner.
Real Americans have no tolerance for those who spew hate.
Real Americans stand united in the face of adversity.
Real Americans celebrate our diversity.
Real Americans cherish our freedom.
Real Americans are patriotic.
Real Americans are proud.
Real Americans aren't defined by whether or not they like soccer.
Real Americans aren't defined by how long their families have been here.
Born here, I am a first-generation American of multicultural descent. And whether you like it or not, that makes me a real American.
Until next time, "That's life..."

Judging from the lack of views last week's post got, a lot of you don't care about my view of presidential politics or the media attention it generates.
Here's a news flash for you: that's your loss.
My purpose in writing these blogs isn't to solicit support or agreement. I honestly couldn't care less whether or not you agree with what I think, I just want you to THINK! As I've said on many occasions, the paucity of critical, independent thought in the United States of America these days is staggering.
That being stated, if I can get even one person to stop and consider another point of view, or to question their own point of view, I have done my job. That was my philosophy as a journalist and as an author. It will be my philosophy until I take my last breath.
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let's move on to this week's topic. It's something I've been thinking a lot about in light of the book based on my father's life I am now writing and in the wake of the Pope's visit. Yes, I've been thinking about the biggest lie ever told: that all men are created equal.
While it is fundamentally true that all of us have certain needs -- the need for food, shelter, love and companionship -- any similarity or "equality" begins and ends right there.
We are born into different cultures, and different socioeconomic strata. From the beginning we learn different languages. We learn to follow different religious and political ideologies. We are raised with different aspirations. We excel in different academic, creative and athletic pursuits. As a result, we celebrate different achievements.
And yet, from the time we first come together as children, we are encouraged, if not forced, to believe that we are all the same. We are taught to behave accordingly. As we grow up, were are told that our similarities should unite us, and if we would just embrace them, everyone would get along and the world would be a much better place.
The problem is that -- for the reasons I mentioned above -- this idea is fundamentally and fatally flawed. If there is any hope for humanity, it will rest in our ability to change that line of thinking. Instead of celebrating our "similarity" and "equality" we must learn to recognize, understand and respect each other's differences. We must celebrate individuality and individualism.
I, for one, am a truly unique human being. And I am damn proud of it.
Until next time, "That's life..."