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3 I The Best Online Education System in the world
IMAGINE, IF YOU WILL
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
Diversity is a lot more difficult to discuss than it looks, despite the fact that it pervades our daily lives and our
very selves. We are born of different races in different countries with different locations and time zones. We do
not have the same mother tongues. We do not share the same religions nor have the same cultures. However,
as globally individualized as we all have seemed, we have also learned to embrace the fact that diversity is part
of survival.
This is what makes the human race special: the fact that we can face diversity in its various forms without
losing sight of global unity and cooperation. There may have been numerous instances when wars have been
fought over territory, religious concepts, and all manner of frameworks that have caused rifts and divisions
among us. But as intelligent beings, we have also submitted to the belief that such broken bridges can also be
eventually repaired and built again. Nobody wants to live in eternal chaos—the time of barbarism and
unfruitful wars has come to an end.
The advances of technology have brought everyone closer together in the here and now. The race to produce
the greatest technological innovations has brought about unity instead of more disunity, single-mindedness
instead of divisiveness. The synergy of phone and computer applications has been continuously explored by
internet and tech giants, and has created an even larger network of applications in both fields. We can
communicate easily, see things more clearly, appreciate the same things in real time despite varying time zones.
We watch movies with all the five senses participating—3D is of the past.
There are no more races to become super powerful nations, and passports have not been used to enter each
other’s countries. We see different races building one community, no fighting for supremacy on the streets nor
hate crimes. Everyone is free to voice out their thoughts, without fear of being condemned nor becoming an
outcast. It is much easier to make strides in Science because everyone welcomes breakthroughs without
question. Diseases are easily combated because those who carry them are given the best medicines available
and the best care possible. Old people and young have learned to peacefully live together because they have
found no aspects to be divided on. The handicapped are given equal opportunities as their more able
counterparts. Everyone gets into a career regardless of gender orientation or creed.
And then we wake up to the truth: Diversity still divides us. If only John Lennon’s song IMAGINE had been
wishes that a genie could grant. Unfortunately, that song, although sung innumerable times, remains just a
song. Imagine that!
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.
Get a copy of the song Imagine by John Lennon. Discuss the lyrics and the song’s message with your
teacher.
2.
Why should we embrace diversity?
3.
How has diversity proven to be a problem in the world today?
4.
How do you consider yourself as a citizen of the world?
5.
Do you believe that despite the diversity that exists in the world today, mankind will eventually find a
way to be truly one? Why or why not?