One Voice . . .



Amid a Universe of pain, suffering and famine, where does understanding come into play? In a World so diverse in religions, cultures and languages, how is this so called unity achieved? In a land that is in constant upheaval due to conflicting beliefs and dissimilar governments, what is the formula for peace? So many concerns and unanswered questions to ponder, often we foreclose without a single attempt to remedy this seemingly, hopeless state. I am but one voice in this bleak, disparaging society, one meagre speck on all of humanity. But, I embrace the belief that world unity and peace, initiates right where you are. Yes, if we desire to attain an environment where race, religion or social status mean zilch, we, you and I, must grab a torch and strive to light the way.

In viewing my present surroundings, in this tiny community where high-speed Internet is a wave of the future, one may conclude that I haven't an inkling regarding cultural issues. Given the fact that I reside in an area where 99 percent are white and speak a common language, one might argue that I am incompetent of forming opinions or any valid solution to rectify the calamity of our earth. Considering that I am young and unskilled in foreign affairs, one might dismiss my prognosis and especially my philosophy on a cure. Here it dawns. When my voice, insignificant as it may seem, is ignored. While our world is deteriorating and confronting near ruin, the still small voices of reasoning and vision are swept up with the ashes of a huge heap of debris created by explosives. If only, they had heeded the cries of the people, the heartfelt yearnings to cease battle. If only!

It's discouraging, when you stop to contemplate the pessimistic outlook, most perceive for our world. Where is the optimism, the hopefulness, the confidence that we will achieve world peace? I live in a land of plenty as do so many more. We each have so much to be thankful for. We have sufficient food, comfortable shelter, trendy clothes, wonderful schools and more than tolerable working conditions, yet we subject ourselves to fighting and quarrelling, complaining and feuding. We know nothing of the hunger and devastation experienced by children and mothers. But, we know how to do nothing for those whom we can reach. In a society of wealth, (yes you are wealthy), we neglect our duty to our brother because of man-made precedents. We follow habitual patterns laid down by our fathers and forefathers. We are laying the groundwork for each child that succeeds us. What sort of seed would you like to sew?

One voice, one opinion, one individual on a vast planet of war and famine, what can I do? What can you do? Better yet, as a unit, what can we do? This is exactly where it starts my friend. We must build relationships with our neighbour, even those who seem out of your league. Forget the colour of my skin, and the language I speak, the religion I practice, and so on. For a brief moment, remove yourself from those standards that you so faithfully follow. Allow yourself to be consumed by compassion and understanding. Put yourself out there to be a link in a broken chain that needs immediate attention. Be that single clasp or that desolate bridge spaning the distance between bloodshed and peace. Dare to share your visions, your aspirations for your community and your country. In so doing, you may give birth to an innovative antidote, generating a positive interest in all those around you. Take the knowledge you've obtained, the empathy you possess and go, make a difference. Until we each, recognize our capabilities and strengths, we will fail to produce beneficial energy, an aide in the repair of our world's weaknesses. On this note I will conclude. Remember. This is your world. Although, one voice, yours may be the mouthpiece to a universe of Cross-Cultural Friendships, World Unity and Peace.

Written for a Writing Contest
Written: September 5, 2002