As a White, American female, my view on the importance of diversity in America is likely naïve and utopian. I believe in the acceptance of all, and the value of the individual. Without diversity, our country cannot progress; in fact, our country cannot exist. The foundation of America leans on the citizens that make it, citizens that come in every shade and hue, and an array of cultural backgrounds.
Diversity is crucial to the positive progression of America. As a person grows, they are shaped by the people, environments and ideas to which they are exposed. Because the structure of our growing differs, our knowledge and perception of the world differs too. When beliefs and ideas are integrated, new ones are created, and the entire society is supplemented. If we were to separate ourselves into pools of people just like us, I would be in a town full of other White people, who likely haven’t moved past the ideas from their home countries of Sweden and Germany. Diversity in people allows for a diversity of innovation.
Diversity in America not only allows for an abundance of new ideas, but an abundance of beauty. In the past 40 years, the number of interracial marriages in the United States has gone up significantly, resulting (upon procreation) in an array of new skin tones. I believe that this rise in interracial relationships proclaims a new tone of acceptance in America, and it seems that we are finally beginning to overcome the barriers created by slavery and war. Not only are we exposed to new, stunning skin colors, but a more beautiful, harmonious country too.
Lastly, I believe that diversity is important, because each person is important and created for a purpose. I have strong passions and I have dreams. I believe that everyone has those in their innermost self, and each individual deserves to reach for them. If we go through life with prejudice, bias, hate or simply negative thoughts about the people around us, solely based on the skin they were given--we cannot expect to be treated any better.
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