Difference

From a very young age I was taught that uniqueness is respected in America. Each of us is unique. We have a wide array of talents, ideas, personality traits and appearances. Many of us come from many different lands as well as our ancestors. That was a distinguishing feature of our nation, a home for others who sought a new, a better life.

The notion of immigration is really a baseline of American culture. Ours is not one culture, but an amalgam of cultures from all over the planet. We have welcomed people from nearly every nation. Not always a welcoming persona, but we have made a home for those who are not native to our land. Because we are a nation of immigrants, we too, are immigrants somewhere in our family tree. That makes us unique in so many ways.

These differences are a strength for our country. We do not have a single viewpoint on all things. We are very apt to see things differently in every setting. It makes for interesting conversations, but also for amazing inventions, technologies and entire families of science and industry. Many good things come from our differences. It is a natural consequence.

So too, our political differences. The US Constitution came from the melting pot of the era, so too the design of our governments. Our arts and cultures were in full operation then, also affecting our thinking and creative talents. Democracy was the model from Greece that was applied in the New World. The United States struggled hard and long to create a more perfect union of its people. The struggle was mainly caused by the many differences that were accommodated to reach agreement. That was hard work, but good. It produced a culture unique to our nation that accommodated people with many differences.

It is odd to me, that sexuality is treated differently in our culture, as though that difference is not allowed, especially since the differences of sexual expression have been a rage of difference throughout history. Why would it be a different matter here at home?

Each of us must conform (accommodate) what is different within us. Sexuality is not a choice. It is what it is and the individual lives with the dichotomy for life. Sexual activity, however, must conform to healthy practices to remain safe within society. That standard goes for everyone so as to not cause harm to others. All of us must accomplish this; each of us has.

Gender issues provide thinking and viewpoints different from society at large. It most likely creates strengths and talents useful for the rest of society. Many think this is true for gays in the arts and humanities. That may be true, or not. But it is an example that instructs the rest of society to accommodate difference.

Differences are a good thing, not just brought to us by way of immigration. There are all kinds of unique features of each of one of us. That is something to be thankful for. Especially in the land of the free and brave.

July 30, 2025