"Diversity in Action"

Our neighborhood is the perfect example of "diversity in action." I actually feel fortunate living in a place like this in Northeast Philadelphia. There are people of many different nationalities and backgrounds. We are as diverse as the United Nations, and here, we get along just fine. Some of our neighbors are Jewish, some are African American, some are Indians, some are Greek, some are Italian, some are Russian, some are Latin American, some are Arabs, some are Chinese, some are Vietnamese, some are Japanese, some are "American" (with many previous generations born in the United States and many with different origins too...) Some neighbors were born in the United States, some were born in their countries of origin - like me. I am an American Citizen; but I was born in San José, Costa Rica. Yes, I have all kinds of nationalities - so it's hard to feel like I truly belong to any one particular place. I still have an accent (my native language is Spanish) and I look like the combination of nationalities that I am. Right now, my country is the United States, and I'm proud to be an "American." My husband was born here, my daughters were born here. Of course, I love Costa Rica and I love Colombia (where I lived for 13 years) - they will always have a special place in my heart.

My mother was born in Costa Rica and she's from German descent - her father was German, from Hanover (Hermann Stradtmann); and her mother's father was from Germany (Amadeo Johanning). My father was born in Costa Rica too, but his father was from Bogotá, Colombia (Jorge Braddock) and his grandfather from Scotland (Henry Braddock - like my father's name); his mother was born in Panamá (when Panamá belonged to Colombia) - but her mother was Italian (Franceschi) and her father was from Colombia of Spanish descent (París). So, yes, we are a mixture of many nationalities. I guess, like most Americans. We are truly "international mutts."

Is there really an "authentic" American? Authentic Americans are the Native American Indians. All Americans, in general, are definitely a melting pot of nationalities: English-Americans; Polish-Americans, Irish-Americans, German-Americans, Italian-Americans, Chinese-Americans, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Russian-Americans; and the list goes on... Sometimes a combination of more than one origin. Is one nationality better than another one? Is one race better than another one? NO. We are all human beings...

My husband's grandparents were from Russia; his parents were born here in the US. Ben, my husband is Jewish and I am Catholic. So you can say that we are definitely a very "diverse" family and we live in a very "diverse" neighborhood. And we all get along fine - which is truly great!

We pretty much respect everyone's individuality and are friendly with everyone - and people respond back with kindness, regardless of their backgrounds, regardless of their education. The important thing is to respect and be kind to everyone, and to show them respect at all times. If we cross the line, if we show animosity, intolerance, discomfort, anger and hatred towards others - just because they are of different origin or different skin color, have different customs or are in some ways different than us - we are acting disrespectfully and we are discriminating.

I do have mixed feelings regarding "immigration." I understand people's preoccupation with the extremely high number of ilegal immigrants entering our borders: they say immigrants are sending their children to our schools, using our services and not paying taxes; they say they don't want to assimilate into our culture... I agree that there should be some changes in our laws, giving temporary permits to farm workers and other needed working-forces. There should also be some forms of control, since economic interests are at stake. Yet we, as citizens of this world, should be able to have "freedom of movement" and be able to choose where we prefer to live, as long as we respect the laws and customs of the other countries. Yes, there's a lot to do and a lot to think about...

In the meantime, let's try to live as a large happy family, trying to understand that it is human nature to look for better horizons and for a better life. Let's work together to build a better world and try our best to be understanding, tolerant, respectful and loving towards others; no matter how different we think we are. Let's open our minds and hearts to accept our differences and uniqueness; and concentrate on our similarities. Kindness, love and respect are the "magic words" we should live by to make our world a better place for all.