One world or should I say, One World Essex? Every year, there is a week filled with a fantastic event in which we celebrate our more than 140 different nationalities represented by both students and staff, bringing together a diversity of cultures and experiences to one place, well, maybe 3 of them: Square 2, 3 and 4!
This year, we had something unusual – SNOW, and for the first time we had the Colchester Morris men performing ancient English ritual dances, as you can see below.
You couldn’t miss the event as it went forward, despite the cold weather, despite the snow falling over the flags held high by their representative. The squares were filled with colours, diversity and laughter. It seemed that everyone was connected and coming together as one, celebrating all the diversity that unites us.
I have been deeply touched by the poem written by a Lebanese woman, recited by her husband. It was shaped in the form of the Cedar of Lebanon, the national emblem of Lebanon. You could actually feel the suffering and pain put into that poem, a poem which encouraged people to come together and unite their forces for a better world, a world in which all cultures are celebrated, not denied.
I am grateful that I am part of the University of Essex, which is recognised as one of the most international universities in the world. I am glad that cultural diversity is recognised and celebrated with so much passion and thought.
But why is it so important to focus on cultural differences? Here are my 3 main reasons to do so:
- Cultural awareness. Learning about various cultures, religions and languages, will enhance your perception upon life itself, creating a new perspective on the lives of others around you, as well as others around the world. You can only educate yourself through understanding other’s perspectives, broadening your own.
- Appreciate cultural differences. Through each other’s diversity, we become more aware of our own. Not only do we become more aware, we gain a sense of pride for the diversity of our own culture. Understanding people and their backgrounds is crucial to personal and community growth.
- Overcome stereotypes. Celebrating different cultures will bring to light new thinking and understanding. Without stereotypes blocking your view, you will be able to see individuals accurately, not as mere reflections of your preconception. The more you do this, the more experiences you will have with individuals who do not conform to your stereotypes.
The recognition of a common humanity is the first step in the celebration of our differences – differences that inform our cultures, our values, our minds, and all our ways of being in the world.
Until next time,
Mimi.