Guest columnist Javeed Akhter: Timely lessons in inclusiveness
A second-grade teacher of one my grandkids, Jessen Carley, did a project around Ramadan. She had an older grandchild speak to the class about Ramadan. Nothing better than kids talking to kids. She also set up a Sadaqa (Arabic word for charity) chain for the whole school where kids could donate money, highlighting the charity aspect of Ramadan.
Carley explained, "I want students to feel celebrated in their classroom as they are, as well as instill compassion, understanding and curiosity in every student."
She uses holidays as a tool to teach about beliefs and traditions.
"This year we have celebrated over 40 different holidays/traditions led by students and directly or indirectly supported by parents," she added.
Newspapers have reported many schools celebrating Iftar, one did a fast-a-thon (a neologism for sure) and some schools are allowing a day off on Eid.
The kids who have gone through Carley's class and similar activities will undoubtedly grow up more inclusive in outlook, because they will be more knowledgeable about others. If this attitude of knowing the other were replicated elsewhere, this would be a solution to our polarized nation.
Interestingly, the Quran suggests that diversity that is part of creation is to be celebrated and suggests we should know each other.
"We created you in tribes and nations so that you may get to know each other," says the Quran.
The Quran goes on to suggest that groups should compete in doing good, an Olympics of virtuous deeds.
Ignorance is at the root of all stereotyping. The more different the other, the greater the ignorance, he more extreme the stereotype. Although, symbols are important - Wrigley Field with "Ramadan Mubarak" on its marquee, banners in many schools and workplaces - what this second-grade teacher is doing is much more significant.
Muslims have also been proactive. Muslim charities have distributed food packages in large numbers in needy areas and Masajids (mosques) have been welcoming visitors of every faith and tradition.
The United States deals with diversity better than most other nations. It recognizes its own structural racism and has started to deal with it. Case in point is the recent emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. Muslims are fortunate to live in the U.S.
In China, the Uighurs cannot fast in Ramadan; they are force fed. In India, mosques, Muslim business and homes have been vandalized during this month of Ramadan, by Hindu processions celebrating the god Ram. The procession carries tridents and swords and has a truck with loud sound system to blast away anti-Muslim slogans.
It is ironic that the spiritual event of celebrating a god who fought for justice has turned into a beat-up-the-Muslim event. These folks all over YouTube apparently are proud of their behavior.
I suspect a degree of inclusiveness and tolerance was instilled in the DNA of our nation at its formation and has survived. In the 1782 treatise "Letters from an American Farmer," J. Hector St. John de Creveccoeur marvels at the diversity of this new nation at its very inception. By and large, ordinary folks recognize that all have the same aspirations, needs and hopes. We need to nurture this idea.
Small steps can bring big dividends. We need action not just words. As Charles Swain said, "words, like summer birds, depart and leave but empty air." The best hope for the future is teaching understanding and compassion early, as in Jessen Carley's second grade class. Traits that can be taught and learned.
"So, you celebrate Eid, but not Christmas?" asked one student of his Muslim classmate. The Muslim boy looked wearily and said "uh… yes." The student then smiled and said "That's really cool! Eid was really fun!"
• Javeed Akhter is a physician and freelance writer from Oak Brook.