Moral Compass: Follow the Path of Diversity, Equality, and Unity

We all possess an inner sense that guides our lives. This moral compass shapes and defines our ethical decision making and how we behave toward and interact with our fellow humans, non-human animals, and the earth.

As a Kindergartener in the early 1970s, my best friend was a Korean girl named Jong-sook. Jong-sook’s sister, In-sook, like my sister Suzie, was one year older; they were best friends also.

I still have all of my elementary school class photos, but I can visualize by memory my friends and children I played with the most. I see Guillermo (Hispanic), Denise (African American), Delores (Chinese), Regina (Caucasian), Darren (African American), April (Caucasian), Raymond (African American), and Thea (Filipino).

In fourth grade, I had my first encounter with racism. I have very fond memories of playing with my friend Lauren who lived down the street; I particularly recall our fun times romping in the snow in our front yard.

Lauren was also in my Girl Scout troop; my mother and Lauren’s mother were friends and both were active leaders in our troop.

As a young child, it was apparent, but utterly confusing to me, why some of the girls in our troop and their parents shunned Lauren and her mother. When I asked my mother, she explained: Because Lauren’s mother is white and her husband is African American.

I was dumbfounded. It never bothered me and I never questioned why Lauren was dark-skinned and her mother was white. Lauren was my friend. It hurt me terribly that people could be so prejudiced.

By high school in the early 1980s, it was natural for me to instantly accept and appreciate people with varied sexual preferences. My learning curve and questions continued: Why did being homosexual or lesbian have to be a secret? Why can’t people be open and able to fully express their individuality?

Throughout my life, my diversity of friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and co-workers, from a multitude of cultures and range of religious beliefs has shaped my absolute respect for individuality and appreciation of the power of diversity.

I wholeheartedly do not condone self-righteous people who tout themselves as morally superior and are prejudicial toward others. Their unsubstantiated racist, xenophobic, and homophobic attitudes are divisive and hateful. Intolerance and discrimination destroys the core framework that makes America truly phenomenal.

Embracing diversity enriches and empowers individuals, communities, and country. America is stronger because of our unique and varied composition. We are all connected. We are all worthy. We are all equal...and I will always do my best to defend and protect Human Rights.