My cousin took his sister, sister-in-law, and I to his partner’s cottage on an island, a beautiful place and community of 70 houses, surrounded by a bay; sunny, breezy, and green. Even better, a summer island party brought neighbors together at a back yard of a big house by the harbor, plenty of food, drinks, and laughters. It was perfect weather and a wonderful time!
Close to the end, my cousin said to me as he got older, he started to notice this more…there were only 3 non-white people at the party (us: himself, his sister, and I). Well, he is right but so what? We were welcomed by the neighbors. I was invited to join next year’s 7/4 parade and had more (food) than what my stomach allowed.
I don’t know if awareness makes any difference. We have a ‘United Nation’ in our family, across races and religions. I may be a ‘double minority’ as a non-white woman in business, if adding technology, I could be in an even smaller group yet I’ve never felt being excluded or discriminated wherever I am (16+ years around the world). Actually, I don’t notice the difference and see it as a privilege/ advantage to be able to talk to/ work with everybody and do anything. When you don’t ‘fit’ any label, you can ‘join’ any group. Living/ working in different cultures/ countries can be challenging yet very exciting. Because nobody knows me, I’m freer to explore, ask questions, and contribute (without worrying if it’s a smart idea). I add different values and bring fresh perspectives to the conversation and collaboration.
Honestly, it’s all what we think instead of the reality. Is there anybody who is truly the same? We’re all different no matter how we look. Each of us brings our uniqueness to make this diverse, always changing world. The question is not how to fit in or make us think/ look alike but how we build upon each other’s ideas, strengths, and experiences to make a smarter, healthier, and better world for all!