It’s always a challenge to write a publisher’s note that would do justice to the content produced by COLORS team.
On this edition the faces of multiculturalism worldwide are featured with facts and figures. Nowadays many countries and communities have designed rules and guidelines in order to preserve peace and harmony among its citizens and inhabitants as much as possible, however, conflict remains inevitable. The richness offered by many cultural identities, should be shared and embraced, rather than rejected and disrespected due to ignorance and contempt.
This month important celebrations take place throughout the world, reminding us how fragile our existence would be if we could not count on the generosity of others. Thanksgiving is a moment of reflection where we share our meal and the warmth of our home with other people, while Movember is a perfect example of social global embracement for a noble cause.
In the Dutch kingdom the arrival of Sinterklaas has fueled a heated discussion at all levels of society. Even within the COLORS team strong opinions came afloat and passionate defense of one's point of view became the start and the finish several days in a row. To maintain harmony one doesn't have to agree with every aspect of another culture that may not be in line with one's personal values and beliefs. Absolutely not! I am saying that everyone has the 'Liberty' to be respectfully selective and thankful for a democratic right to Agree to Disagree with the social construction of any cultural identity.
"What we need to do is learn to respect and embrace our differences until our differences don’t make a difference in how we are treated." Jolanda King
Respectfully yours,
Tirzah
