Looking through the “Lens of Diversity”

By: US Coast Guard Auxiliarist

                                                                                                                                                                                   Michelle Acosta Bochinski

09-18-11 FSO-DV

 

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"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation."

― Mahatma Gandhi

 

     As the calendar prepares us to face the month of September, we are typically signaled by a few things. Such as the start of the new school year for most, and perhaps getting back into "somewhat regular" routines, the amount of daylight that seems to fade a minute each day, along with the noticeable cooler temperatures at night. With this year's public health crisis, such routines and cadence of events that September customarily brings, indeed throws us all off balance. However, we need to continue to forge ahead and stay strong.

     To credit a carpenter and a labor union leader in the late 1800's named Peter J. McGuire, the patriotic holiday of "Labor Day" started to be held in September as a tribute to the American workers and the celebration of their contributions. In these critical times, it is paramount more than ever, to give thanks to the entire workforce, from those across the grocery checkout registers and stock keepers, the postal and package delivery services, the hospital custodians, healthcare workers, first responders, and many more that help keep us all going.

The month of September also reminds us of the heart rending event on that eleventh day in 2001.  With thousands of casualties, many personal stories had surfaced, both heartbreaking and some uplifting. Among those stories, a short documentary emerged. I request that you spend 12-minutes of your time and look through this short video with the "lens of Diversity" in mind. Look and listen to each person that speaks and tell their story. Really look at the people and how the power of diversity is evidenced throughout. Pay special attention to the faces and words reverberated by each one of them.

     In reflection, may I ask you at first blush, would they be someone who you would immediately consider heroes if you had passed by them walking down the street? Physical appearance, race, language, ethnicities, these are some of what makes us diverse, and all of what makes us strong.

     Remember that our unique abilities, strengths, and contributions are not diminished or limited by our age, gender, race, education, or appearance, but rather by the common thread that binds us and defines our humanity when called for acts of kindness and giving without hesitation.

 

Click & Watch: Boatlift Video