Can Honoring Diversity Become Oppressive?

Is it possible for honoring diversity to become oppression?  Okay, in reality, it can’t but our actions that follow awareness and honoring our differences might be oppressive.  Ironically, the “oppression” could be foisted upon the majority by the minority.

December is the time to show a good example.  Many people celebrate Christmas.  I don’t.  I am not offended by those who do.  Very often, I hear conversations about it, or see actions to stop Christians from “imposing” on others.  (Some people do. They overwhelm you, even if you are not participating - but everyone doesn’t.)

A simple “merry Christmas” from a coworker is not imposing.  Perhaps they should be more sensitive, but they are simply giving us a nice greeting - should I be upset?

I don’t think so.

My typical response is “I don’t celebrate Christmas, but thank you for your kind thought.”  Upon leaving my job for the day, I would simply say, “Enjoy your holiday.”

We need balance.  We can be more aware of others and sensitive to some of their ways – note, I said “some.”  We don’t all have to become experts or scholars of someone else’s religion.

But I also will still have all my own “stuff” intact - my “stuff” being my own religion, my politics, my personal preferences, and whatever else it is that I choose to be and live.

We have lost our balance.  Let’s put forth a little effort to appreciate, not be pushy, be inclusive where appropriate, and not abandon our own beliefs, and simply move through our day being respectful.  It’s not really complicated.  When it seems so, that is more reflective of my own discomfort, not the reality of the situation.

Others may have better ways to express our polite response and include a teaching moment about our differences – I’d love to hear your thoughts.