Recently, once again, we witnessed yet another despicable act of racial violence in our nation. These horrific events — encouraged by misinformation, racist rhetoric, and rooted in unjustifiable hatred — have become far too commonplace in a nation whose greatest strength is its diversity.
Every act of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and violence moves our country further away from the inclusive union we should strive to become. The actions continue to reflect the darkest parts of our American history. We are not born with hatred and bias against one another; it is a learned behavior that is perpetuated by close-minded teachings and a narrow experience. We must do all we can to ensure that the value of diversity and multi-cultural awareness are taught and encouraged, especially at a young age.
For this reason, I have filed a bill HD4112 – An Act establishing a cultural diversity curriculum in Massachusetts public schools. This bill would require the commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a cultural diversity curriculum in all Massachusetts public schools. Teaching inclusion at a young age gives us our best chance to shape the minds, hearts, and attitudes of our children, creating a more just society as they become adults. By integrating an appreciation of the diverse cultures, heritages, backgrounds, and appropriate world history lessons that make up our school curriculums, we will help to create a better world for future generations and show our children the power that lies in what makes us different.
Our nation finds itself in an era marked by abhorrent acts directly targeting minority groups. This is not a new trend. As you look back at history, many groups have been suppressed: African Americans, Italian and Irish immigrants, Japanese Americans during WWII, Arabs, Muslims, Jews, Latinx, LGBTQIA. The list goes on and, more recently, the attacks on the Asian population — all these people have been subjected to unjust treatment and, too often, life-threatening attacks motivated solely by the fact that they are “different.”
The prospect of allowing our children to grow up in a society that disparages diverse identities rather than honors uniqueness is a dire possibility that we must work to combat, and it starts with education. Our school curriculums should promote and embrace empathy and incorporate inclusion so that our children understand the positive power of diversity. We must move beyond simply tolerating those who are different from us and work towards recognizing the incredible value that can arise from getting to know someone whose experience is different from our own. Rather than seeing everyone as the same, regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation or religion, time and attention should be given to highlighting the beauty of what sets us apart.
My childhood hero, basketball legend and activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar challenged us to “make a friend that doesn’t look like you.” Seventeen years ago, on the floor of the Massachusetts State House Chamber, I proudly gave my “maiden” speech with the theme “We are all different, we are all the same.”
Driven by my passion for inclusion, and fueled by my own life experiences and upbringing believing that we are all born with talents but not equal opportunities, I strive to set a level playing field for all. There is no reason that violence and hatred should take away opportunities in the United States of America. Our nation should be looked upon as the beacon of light and hope that it once was by immigrants searching for a better tomorrow, a land of possibility for people from all walks of life.
It starts with education and understanding. We can do better; we must do better!
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Smitty Pignatelli is the Massachusetts State Representative for the 4th Berkshire District.
