The cornerstone of American promise and the source of US strength come from the collection of differences that make America what it is. This compilation of color, ethnicity, religion, heritage, and different self-identifications makes America the only place in the world capable of boasting differences as a commonality. Since its foundation, the US has identified itself as a mixture of different people and has reflected this m?©lange in both its domestic and foreign policy.
The history of differences in America is as diverse as its people. Immigrants from all corners of the world define American history, and the US has fought to protect these people against discrimination based on their differences.
There has been a plethora of examples of this war against injustice in the past 100 years. At the turn of the century, a social war against differences in gender developed because women were denied the right to vote. In the 1960s, the war brought about civil liberties to certain communities of citizens. In the past two decades, this "war" has been carried overseas where people are discriminated against every day because of differences.
Since the founding of this country, America has been a refuge for political, economic, and social pilgrims of the world seeking protection from discrimination based on differences. We have not only fought to end this discrimination in the US; we have made it part of our foreign policy and political goals.
A recent e-mail from an upset friend made me realize that we still have a long way to go before we can truly call ourselves a united country. For the past month, petitioners have been traveling door to door requesting signatures for the Defense of Marriage Initiative.
This proposal would change the Massachusetts constitution to prohibit not only gay and lesbian marriage, but also to deny gays and lesbians even the most basic of domestic partner benefits. These benefits include health insurance, bereavement leave, and hospital visitation rights. More recently, these solicitors were on the Tufts campus asking Tufts students to sign their petition.
My response to this is simple. The US must continue to accept and defend differences.. Diversity defines us as a people, and our defense of our differences is the underlying principle in American politics and life: equality and justice for all.
As you walk across campus, look at the differences between each person you pass. Imagine a campus without diversity. Imagine a campus on which you were the minority. Imagine that it was your difference being questioned. Imagine it was your difference that others were trying to pass a law against. When thinking about this, put aside your religious, cultural, and personal beliefs. Recognize that even though you may personally feel homosexuality is wrong, we must defend the one value that has made and defined America, that is, to prevent discrimination against differences.
Imagine all the people living for today, living life in peace, sharing all the world. Imagine a world where difference is loved and uniqueness is valued. As you walk across campus, as you return home for the holidays, as you confront a misguided world, walk forward proud that no one else can claim the same uniqueness as you. Challenge discrimination. Question hate.
If you ignore the plight of others, if you blind yourself from discrimination, you are equally guilty. Walk across campus with pride: pride for yourself, pride for this campus, and pride for the differences that we are fortunate to have in this world. The next time someone asks you to sign a petition that will limit the rights of others, think that it could very well be you that they are petitioning against.
John Dulac is a freshman who has not yet declared a major.
