Kofi Annan Finding Common Ground

Since our nation has such diverse qualities and characteristics, you would think that everyone who lives in such a country, we would all come and stick together. With people who are so different, in so many different types of ways, being a united and unified nation would be knowledgeable. But instead our country consists of "people making strenuous efforts to group themselves with people who are basically like themselves" (Brooks 62). When taking a deeper look, and basically breaking down the nation piece by piece, we see segregation that happens to go unnoticed. There are neighborhoods that have a reputation for being where "African Americans live," “Asians Live," "Caucasians live," "Mexicans live" etc. which is not a good thing. People tend to not go out of their comfort zone and expand on what they are used to, to try new things, which is usually only

”For example Patel claims, “...Washington’s ethic, the three pillars on which he believed a diverse democracy would thrive”(patel, 5). This quote dialogue illustrates that if the public is not linked together then they will easily fall apart, therefore, being together will make this nation be successful. This is critical because the United States cannot function if society is separated and in order to accomplish obstacles successfully the nation as a whole must stick together, no matter the different races and opinions within. A moreover example that proves both the author’s point is when Patel asserts,”This nation could well have been a house divided, but today we stand as one…”(Patel, 6). This quote describes that the people as a whole has decided to stand together because in the end when the nation is united the people will accomplish great things. This imperative because being a whole nation is better than being a separated nation due to the fact that the U.S functions properly when it is

In this speech I will be talking about whether or not I think that individuals can live together as one human race. I will use quotes from three passages. Those three passages will be Quilt of a Country by Anna Quindlen, Once Upon a Time by Nadine Gordimer, and Rituals of Memory by Kimberly M. Blaeser. All three of these passages have something to do with diversity. In conclusion, I don’t think that individuals can live together as one human race.

David Brook’s essay, “People Like Us, describes about the tolerance and diversity in the United States. Since the great immigration of the late 19th century, America has been cited as one of the most diverse countries in the world. The United States is home to individuals from many different races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, political views, interests, personalities, and income levels. However, according to Brook’s, instead of the population of the country uniting in its diversity and using it as a strength, individuals are trying to distance themselves from others who are not like themselves, rather, band themselves together with those who are like them. Brook’s notes that, even though most of Americans are doing the right thing by finding locations where they are most comfortable and where they believe they can succeed. Their decisions make them achieve their goals often lead towards their own ethnic or racial extractions. For instance, Brook’s himself confesses that he has in the past gravitated towards places where he believed he could be most comfortable in and where he also felt he could pursue his identity. He further states, that the majority of his friends are middle-income level Caucasians and conservative Christians. Brooks’ main argument in the essay is that many individuals in the United States often do not even bother to show that they would like to

and his wife, talking about the latest armed robbery in the suburb…” They were fearful of the neighborhood thieves, so they decided to make a safety system which eventually ends up hurting their own child as their child yearned for freedom. This theme (unity from similarity) does not precisely explain the theme of Finding Common Ground because it only shows how they are similar. On the other hand, “A Quilt of a Country” shows how you can be a diverse person but also be united with those around it. This article “A Quilt of a Country” best conveys the theme by using our country as an

Diversity is said to make us unique and beautiful, yet too often it creates the ugliest conflicts. History will tell us more often than not that fundamental components of human life (race, religion, politics, culture, etc) are the root of many conflicts. Yet, people seem to make our discrepancies seem praiseworthy, and that we must accept them wholeheartedly. Although acceptance is crucial in forming a more empathetic society, it is important to recognize that one’s willingness to accept others is shaped by their past experiences and upbringing.

are a “melting pot” of differences that should work together to create a better future for us all

"What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice towards those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black."1

There is no simple approach to create a world in which men and women of all distinctive races and backgrounds can live together equally in harmony because of their various viewpoints. If such a world is created in our lifetime, it must be accomplished through nonviolence which fabricates companionship and comprehension. It will be accomplished by persons who have the courage to put an end to suffering by willingly suffering themselves rather than inflict suffering upon others. Prejudice and discrimination can only be solved by dismissing the racism, materialism and brutality that has characterized Western civilization progress. By removing these restraints, society can begin to move in a positive direction of a universe of fellowship, collaboration and peace.

Differences seem to be the only thing we see in our world today- different appearances, different ideas, different cultures and beliefs. They are what define us; what give us each a uniqueness that is the reason our species thrives. But, when we are not accepting of our differences, when we refuse to see that our outlook on life is not the only one, many conflicts can arise. Unfortunately, this happens all too often, with differences often being seen in a negative light, casting the shadow of conflict over the world. However, there is an easy fix to this problem, although simple is not always equal to easy. Yet, I believe that when we connect to those different from ourselves, we can open up a path to a more peaceful society.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” Aristotle. The world is better together, as a whole, than it is made up by each country individually, separated and fending for themselves, with no one support from one another. We are currently living in a divided world. Either divided over power, race, religion, and so much more. We read the news daily, wondering why we cannot accept each other and move forward. We wonder why we are all trying to win the “war of division” separately, not relying on other people that believe in the same thing we do. This “war of division,” despite the contrary, is one we have been facing since the start of our country. From the day we won our war of independence to today, we fight issues on our own, but what

When we meet new people, we create small talk discussing about interest, dislikes etc. this then may lead to a new friendships or another person to avoid. Our diverse thoughts, interests and experiences steer us to the people we are close to and love. If everyone was exactly the same our relationships would be meaningless because rather than having a two way relationship , it will be like talking to yourself. Also because everyone has their interests and experiences when we meet people who have similar interest and experiences, we can feel excited or relieved knowing there is someone who we can relate to. This then can create a special bond.Some may believe diversity can divide us because we may disagree on opinions, have different lifestyles, create subcultures etc. however ignorance is what divides us. We can become closer as a society by embracing everyone's differences rather than excluding others because of their differences. In other words with diversity will come unity.

To be united in the United States of America is to be united in spite of being of a different gender, race, religion, or political opinion. Which both Brooks and Martin Luther King Jr. recognize, but do not express in the same way. Brooks’ argument regarding socio-political beliefs in both Red and Blue America creates even more difference between the two. In the article, Brooks describes Red America as dominated by churches and the people in these areas are more concerned about being part of the community. Brooks states, “America is divided between two moral systems. Red America is traditional, religious, self-disciplined, and patriotic. Blue America is modern, secular, self-expressive, and discomfited by blatant displays of patriotism,” (537).

John F. Kennedy once said " If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."

Having a commonality will allow the gap in cultural, gender and ethnical differences to merge together. Example, there is an older lady that work with me who is very quiet and she is from Africa. Several coworkers whisper about her, stating “she’s evil, she’s scary, and she’s a witch”. I started talking to this lady and I enjoyed our conversation. This woman has so much wisdom that I felt like a little child sitting at the feet of my Parents. This woman stated “I know what people are saying about me and told me she’s not a witch and that she doesn’t get involved in other people business and that she sit and observe quietly and pray when she’s not working.” This woman is now known as the go to person if you need prayer. Because of this woman being different from what was considered normal she was labeled. According to the lecture for this week, “The challenge for us is to find ways to bridge the gap between groups. To do so, we have to develop certain skills and abilities. The first is to examine our own views of others, be they part of the minority or the majority group, a different social class, or a different gender.” (Bell, 2007).