Maya Angelou is known for her insightful works of writing and being a civil rights activist. The ideas she leaves us with should render convictions of unity. Diversity should be talked about more frequently and more passionately, but sadly this is not the case. Diversity is necessary, and it is required to become united in thinking and purpose. In striving for diversity, Maya Angelou’s metaphor of a tapestry provides the greatest image for all of us to ponder about. This tapestry consists of all colors known to man; each thread resembles a person. The tapestry calls for a multitude of threads to create a strong and cohesive piece of art. With each thread weaving in and out of another, it becomes bigger and better than it previously was. Since each thread is a person, every person on this planet is included. They have a belonging in something greater than themselves. This tapestry encapsulates the world community, and promotes beauty in diversity. Having unity, even in differences, would make this world we live in nicer. I often dream of a day when no violence takes place. I hope for a day fear is no longer in the thoughts of our minds. I wonder what a day would be like if war did not exist. I long for a day when discrimination and judgements are not placed on people. With a world tapestry, it would give every person the same recognition as the one before. No one’s thread would be better than the next, nor would it serve a greater purpose. For one day, this tapestry can and will exist. It may not be in my lifetime, but I hope for future generations, they will begin to see and understand the importance of accepting diversity. Maya Angelou, along with many other civil rights activists, paved the way to breaking down the man-made barriers between people. Discrimination is a word that should have never been created and provided a definition. It has been given too much credit and publicity over the years, and its stay is long overdue. Judgments are given blindly, and often a lasting characteristic, whether true or not. It should not matter the skin color of people or the beliefs they hold; a person is a person, and that is all that should matter. Equality is everything, but everything is not equal. Think about it; we play a good game in making ourselves believe that life is fair and just, but we are playing into the false illusions of unity. If these civil rights activists could see our world today, I think they would be disappointed. I wonder if they would consider this situation as being any different from the world they saw years ago. I would like to think their courageous acts could still be readily recognized in today’s society, and attributed to those who sacrificed so much. Nothing has changed. Hate still overrides love, and diversity is not appreciated and valued. Having a transformed perspective, it is my hope that the world will rally together in unity. A higher value should be placed on diversity, and in return, it will bring out the greatest potential in the people. The world could be transformed once and for all, but our priorities must shift. The shift must move from self-righteousness to humility. Begin the movement, and be diligent in diversity. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2016
1 Comment
marge corne
2/1/2016 01:59:32 pm
I AGREE WITH YOU.....THIS ARTICLE SHOULD BE READ BY EVERYONE.....I PRAY ONE DAY WE CAN ALL LOOK AT EACH OTHER AS ONE AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER,,,THANKS FOR YOUR TIME IN WRITING THIS--I CAN SEE IT COMES FROM YOUR HEART,,,,,
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