Recognizing diversity as a strength

The dawning of the suburbs half a century ago saw a migration of middle-class whites seeking economic prosperity and a place to lay their heads at night. Suburbia and homogeneity paired up like Ozzie and Harriet.

That changed quickly, however, as the suburbs became a magnet for immigrants and minority populations from the city, and the trend has continued. A Brookings Institution study shows 34 percent of suburban residents were nonwhite in 2009, up from 28 percent in 2000.

That should surprise no one who lives, shops, works or goes to school in our suburban area. But as diversity increases, so does the chance for conflict stemming from a lack of understanding about another's culture, beliefs or practices. Yet history has shown America's strength lies in its diversity, and there are consequences to ignoring it. When individuals or groups are marginalized, the results often are dependency, poverty, crime and a lack of self-worth. Conversely, acceptance promotes self-reliance and a willingness to contribute. The signs of progress in our area are many, and they are heartening. This year alone:

• Scout groups in the Schaumburg area spent a day visiting different houses of worship to better understand religions of their fellow Scouts.

• Students at Stevenson High School joined a national campaign to fight bullying of gay teens.

• An inclusion program at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates continues to change students' views of what those labeled disabled can do.

• Residents helped set up an exhibit in Elgin with 50 displays of holiday rituals worldwide.

• Naperville Unit District 203 expanded its Dual Language Learners program.

• Families gathered in Long Grove for an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, an 18-year tradition.

These events recognize differences while promoting understanding on a communitywide scale. But tolerance at its core is how we treat one another individually. Our laws reflect the idea that sometimes we need a little push: Inclusion of special needs students in classrooms and hiring of minorities might not occur if they weren't mandated. But true tolerance will never happen if it is forced from the outside.

It's human nature to gravitate toward people like ourselves, and embracing diversity on a personal level is a challenge for many. But Sohail Bari, a Pakistani-American who helped plan Glendale Heights' International Day, reminds us: “You keep away from those groups and you hurt yourself. You are not enjoying yourself. Once you communicate with people and hang around with them, your life becomes easier.”

Those who reach out and seek to understand inevitably discover that our similarities as humans outnumber our differences. This year, let's resolve more than ever to strengthen our communities through conversations and actions motivated by empathy, compassion and tolerance.