Diversity Is Me
I am the one that does not look like you
I am the one that hurts like you when I’m feeling blue
I am the one that deserves a chance
To be respected and given the opportunity to advance
My skin tone, you ask? It was not my choice
But I was raised and taught by both of my parents to use my
voice
Fried chicken, collard greens, red beans and rice
Sometimes I did not want my food, so I fed it to mice
My gender, my race, and my age should not be
A determining factor of being treated with equality
You say you don’t want to shake my hand because I am black
Did you get the memo? Being black is something you can not
catch
Please do not exclude me because you think I don’t know
For knowledge is key and three degrees later it shows
The world will be a better place if everyone could just
embrace and see
That diversity is a part of YOU and ME!
Author-Theresa Johnson
I really liked reading your poem; it really brought home how we look at each other. It should not matter our skin color is, or how we talk or any other factor that sets us apart. If we could just step into each other’s shoes for one day-we would see that we really are not that different.
ReplyDeleteTheresa what a lovely poem ... so many hidden talents! Well done on expressing yourself so well. The line in your poem that really popped out at me was, "My skin tone, you ask? It was not my choice". To me this is the essence of all diversity, whether gay, living with a disability or a deforming characteristic as a result of genetics, illness an accident, skin color, too much body hair, too little body hair, etc., ... all these things are not by choice but as you say diversity is a part of each and every one of us. If only we could all accept each others differences and know exactly how the other feels the world would indeed be a better place.
ReplyDeleteGreat poem!! Thanks for sharing! I find it funny how people in society tend to pass judgment on cultures outside of their own because they choose to believe the stereotypes created by the dominant culture of society as a means to prevent us from coexisting. I like how you said that you cannot pass on the color of your skin through touch. People tend not to want to open their hearts and minds to change, but little by little we as early childhood professionals can address the gap between the dominant culture and minorities by exposing children to all cultures as an attempt to give them the opportunity to influence society to change for the better so all cultures can be accepted and cohabit as one race...the human race.
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteThat was awesome!!
You are a truly talented poet!!
Diversity is truly a part of you and me, I love that line!
Thanks for sharing.
Namaste