Flight #1660 between Norfolk and Baltimore (enroute home to Roanoke) on one occasion was a magnificent one—compared to what? Compared to one the previous morning between Roanoke and Norfolk (via Richmond), which was without a doubt, the roughest ride ever experienced. It was sort of a combination of a roller coaster ride and being seated in the saddle of a ran-away horse, although I’ve never stayed an hour and a half on either.
But then these flights were on a 19-passanger-prop jet as opposed to the 110-passenger ones, which also hit a few rough spots that seem as nothing in comparison. The remaining flight from Baltimore to Roanoke was even more pleasant and whisper smooth as we climbed to altitudes of some 23,000 feet with intermittent snowy white cloud clusters beneath and brilliant sunlight above us.
Despite my former frequency in flying, I am always reminded of how indistinguishable from such heights are all of the things on the ground upon which we base our multiple prejudices. As we gaze about the passengers, however we observe different races, sizes, sexes, ages, and should census be taken, I’m sure with varied religious, political, social, and economic backgrounds, none of which are distinguishable from the ground after gaining certain altitudes.
How perfectly symbolic of gaining spiritual altitude, when the higher we climb and the closer we draw to the Creator of these diverse segments of society (however you perceive it), the more indistinguishable becomes the basis of our multiple prejudices and the more we are able to appreciate diversity.
I am often reminded of the incident during a multicultural seminar sponsored on one occasion by Roanoke City Public Schools when a teacher referred to the “problem” of diversely integrated classrooms. The speaker very politely responded that the bigger problem derives from viewing such classrooms as a “problem” rather than an opportunity—to learn more about different cultures.
Its encouraging to know that multicultural education (i.e.: appreciation) was originally incorporated in Roanoke City Magnet Schools’ curriculum and soon include all public schools, especially those with sparsely and nonexistent integrated classrooms. We could no longer afford to continuously sit idly by and hope for long overdue change. As parents, teachers, students, and administrators all arose to the occasion and hasten its reality.
Individually we could do little to effect change but collectively we made the greater impact. They’re in existence to date numerous groups and well-organized and well-funded organizations, currently addressing the different specific needs within our grossly imbalanced society. Identifying the sincere ones from those whose principal aim becomes that of obtaining funds, under any banner from any and every possible source was the first task. Then followed identifying the most sincere, devoted groups and organizations through volunteerism or other related services, as the next step.
Our current confused and potentially explosive environments—within our respective homes, communities, our nation and throughout the world, result from centuries of manipulation and indoctrination as opposed to education.
Throughout history the social and religious philosophies of the predominant, ruling cultures (which differ in different parts of the world) have been imposed upon those in the minority. All others are overtly or covertly referred to as subordinate at best and/or considered threatening when becoming widespread.
Thus the physical and psychological holy warfare’s throughout time, are still being waged today despite mankind’s superior advancement in other areas. We have but to observe nature to realize that true unity and balance come only through diversity—totally different objects, kingdoms and forms of mater working harmoniously to form a complete whole—when unaltered by man.
The sooner we recognize, accept and learn to appreciate these basic truths, the sooner we can live respectfully in peaceful cohabitation on this God-given planet which we are currently capable of making a heaven or a hell on earth, depending upon our respective spiritual altitudes.
