We Have a Winner! Remember my Post “A Question about Diversity: Enter to Win” – See who Won!

CONGRATULATIONS! – ALAN J. Northcott!!

Yes, you are the winner. You answered the diversity question on my blog, so you’ll be receiving one complete autographed set of all of my books. I love your response, Alan.

Here is what Alan had to say:

“I have also been troubled by the conspicuous lack of diversity and acceptance of differences in our society. Even when we cheer, for example, the election of a (partly) black president, that result alone seems to increase divisiveness. I have even heard someone say “We have a Muslim in the White House” as if that, if true, would automatically disqualify our President from serving. I look forward to, but fear I will not live long enough to, see a well qualified Muslim serving in that position.

Having pondered on this question in my own life, it seems that no amount of education and discussion can shortcut the process – in fact it may even serve to mask it. The one thing that appears to bring people together is to work alongside those of other faiths and backgrounds, fighting for common cause such as hurricane relief, or tending to societal needs such as the homeless. In such a context, more common ground is found than differences.

Therefore, I would advocate the finding of much more such volunteer work, and perhaps the institution of “National Service”, not for military purposes but for social ones. This would be similar to the Peace Corp in providing tremendous practical development to our youth. A relatively small program is in place, the AmeriCorps, as established by I think President Clinton. I would propose such service to become mandatory as a way of giving back to the community, and a genuine effort made to ensure that each team was made up of an eclectic mixture of personnel.

I believe that such action would accelerate what should be inevitable , but which seems to take a frustratingly long amount of time, the true acceptance of diversity.”

From what Alan has shared here, I trust that we agree there is still so much more work to do in the area of diversity.

Note: Alan, please contact me so that I’ll know where to send your set of autograph books, okay?

Happy Holidays!