Some About Pluralism
These days I heard so many discrimination around me; about religions, lifestyles, social levels, cultures, and races as well, even ages. A little girl has cried on me, why her friends in the class do not want to be friends with her. And I saw a video on Facebook, there were people only want to help a little girl who wears a nice dress but they did not help a poor girl with a shabby shirt, a guy kicked her out instead. And another video I saw on YouTube, most people refused to help a girl wears a black long veil. Some of them clearly said, “She is a terrorist!” Hey yeah! That’s out of humanity. And many more things I heard about this, just because we have different skin, or different eyes and hair. I just feel how pity!
Klik disini untuk Bahasa Indonesia!
Friends, you should know how wonderful the difference is. And that difference can be enjoyed. No one black if all black, no one rich if all people are rich. Like a stove need a pot and water to boil an egg, we all need each other and we all are worth to live. And now, let’s learn some about Pluralism together.
Quoting from Diana Eck, Director of The Pluralism Project, in Harvard University, USA; pluralism is a tenet to respect human diversity. Not only to respect the difference but also to maintain that diversity.
The Benefits of Pluralism
According to the book World of Sociology, J.M. Palmisano, a society that supports pluralism have some of the following benefits:
- No Negative Thinking People who respect and accept differences will not be prejudiced against the diversity.
- Reduced Conflict Even though often dissent, pluralist society will not impose their will.
- New Ideas This diversity will only give birth to new ideas in solving the problem.
- No Discrimination Usually, people who understand pluralism as much as possible will avoid things that can hurt others.
- Even Stronger Pluralist tends to be calmer. But they have high solidarity and care for each other.
Some Simple Things That We Can Do
- Don’t Insult It's good we reduce sensitive jokes. Who knows during this time there are people around us who are offended.
- Listen First When someone gives opinions or ideas that intersect with our culture, listen first. Who knows is better.
- Don’t be Too Much Proud Having a sense of pride in your tribe or religion is a natural thing. As long as it is not to weaken the tribe or religion of others. Excessive arrogance can trigger conflict.
- Better Knowing There is no harm in us recognizing about other tribes or religions. This knowledge actually makes us wiser in appreciating others and human diversity.
What They Say About Pluralism
Abdurrahman Wahid/Gusdur, President of Indonesia (1999-2001) - Indonesia
“In society, there are self-organizing and interconnected social groups and side by side, but each group has a distinct existence. The concept is more related to the pattern of life of nation and state in general.” -quoted from gusdurfiles-
Jacob Barc, Hotel Manager – Poland
“Pluralism is the ability to recognize that there is unity of humanity’s diversity. We come in different colours, have different cultures, religions and attitudes but we come from the same God, we come from the same earth. People should realize that what makes us different makes us strong, wise and beautiful.”
“Pluralism is the ability to recognize that there is unity of humanity’s diversity. We come in different colours, have different cultures, religions and attitudes but we come from the same God, we come from the same earth. People should realize that what makes us different makes us strong, wise and beautiful.”
Steve Gerard, NGO Director - USA
“Pluralism means respect and diversity. Respect in the sense that other people’s lifestyles and belief systems are accepted and incorporated into society without either discrimination against then minority nor favouritism for the majority. It also means that people are free to make decisions to choose their own belief and lifestyles without negative consequences from others, including those in their own family and ethnic group.”
“Pluralism means respect and diversity. Respect in the sense that other people’s lifestyles and belief systems are accepted and incorporated into society without either discrimination against then minority nor favouritism for the majority. It also means that people are free to make decisions to choose their own belief and lifestyles without negative consequences from others, including those in their own family and ethnic group.”
And in my own opinion pluralism is a way to enjoy the world. Like I enjoy a salad consisting of different types of fruits and vegetables, such as when I go to a park and enjoy the various flowers and animals.
How about you? Do you have any opinion about this?
