Diversity is a good thing. It's part of who we are, and, historically, attempts to force human beings to conform have been disastrous. We are vastly different people, and, somehow, this fact often slips through the cracks, as do the people themselves. Thus, I was overjoyed to see both Spectrum and the Society for Earth-Based Religions hosting events on campus last week.
Spectrum is, of course, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Straight rally organization on campus. They hosted their annual Pride Week last week, with much success.
Also present last week was the Society for Earth-Based Religions (or SER for short), a religious diversity group that promotes understanding and communication between people of different religious beliefs, both in the community and among the group itself. They hosted events for their own Religious Diversity Week as well.
While I was not able to attend all of Spectrum's presentation, I was present for the bulk of the SER-related activities, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well people from VERY different backgrounds and religious standings were able to communicate. For instance, at a panel discussion which involved, among others, a Lutheran, a Gnostic and a Celtic Reconstructionist, the speakers involved shared their ideas and beliefs both with the crowd and each other and found a great deal of common moral and spiritual ground.
Other events for the week included workshops, discussions and demonstrations. On Wednesday, SER held a workshop demonstration including divination techniques, herbalism, informational tables and question-and-answer sessions. On Friday, Spectrum held their Gay Prom, and down the hall, SER members gathered together with their instruments for a drumming circle and storytelling night. Finally, on Saturday, Spectrum finished out with their popular drag show, and SER held a masquerade ball, complete with dancing, costumes and refreshments.
This is all quite amazing.
As a college and a center of learning, we have a responsibility to understand our fellow humans and accept the differences between us. In all the events I attended, I heard not a single insult or accusation thrown from either the attendees or the presenters. In a world of intolerance, cruelty, prejudice and revenge, that counts for a lot. Whether it reflects on the rest of the world, I dare not guess, but I know now that at least SOME of you have your eyes open.
Write to Jonathan at
tenement_cellar@msn.com
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