Diversity

Unity is stressed all across the world, but the question is, really, to what extent should it be stressed? Unity is vital to any nation, for it is important for people to be able to communicate with one another through means of periodicals, television, organizations, and government. However, it is diversity that brings u together, and it is diversity that opens us up to different ideas and ways. Jimmy Carter once said, "We have become not a melting pot, but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams." It is our differences that mold us to form a body greater than ourselves. Unfortunately, our country is trying to make us conform to what it believes would make us "equal in our ways.

The "English Only" movement is a process that is trying to make English the official language and the only one used in the United States and trying to eliminate the use of all other language education in the country. As absurd as it may seem to restrict multilingual ballots for elections and government services (such as courtroom translation), sixteen states have already become part of this movement, including our own state of Tennessee. English only voting ballots are affecting society, because those who cannot understand English cannot vote even though they have the constitutional right to. It is unconstitutional and unethical to deprive these people of their rights.

Culture is the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. Therefore, cultures are always changing; they are constantly influencing and being influenced by each other. Because of these continuous changes, it is close to impossible to change people's ways. Instead, we should allow people to work together to understand their cultures thoroughly. For only when one really comprehends his or her background and lifestyle can he or she truly accept and appreciate others and their cultures.

Diversity is also significant in the economy. It is estimated that 41% of the people entering the work force in the United States by the year 2008 will be minorities. These minorities make companies much stronger. Creativity increases, new attitudes are present, new processes are conducted, and a wider range of customers can result, because of the employees' different backgrounds and language skills. Productivity also increases because the diversity of the