Search for the meaning of \u201cdiversity\u201d and one will find multiple answers\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2026 the variety of characteristics that make people and communities unique\u2026<\/em> As I recently attempted to more fully comprehend the current manifestation of this word, I simultaneously heard the call to appreciate, respect, and understand. The call is not to appreciate, respect, and understand only one or some<\/em> of something; the call is to appreciate, respect, and understand all.<\/em><\/p>\n As recently noted, over the last 6-7 weeks, the Intramuralist has driven approximately 5,914 miles. Recognize that utilizing that same number of miles, I could have driven from Broadway to Beverly Hills and back again to Broadway \u2014 and still had 328 miles to spare. Hence, I decided to entertain a most unscientific study. I observed our diverse expressions in arguably the only avenue offering smaller space than Twitter. Yes, I observed the ever-expressive bumper sticker. My sense is if someone feels a saying is worthy of sticking on their automotive derri\u00e8re, then it must be highly important to them. I found diversity in what\u2019s highly important.<\/p>\n Let me first acknowledge, I did not notate the adhesive identifications that seemed primarily of local value only (i.e. \u201cmy kid is an honor student at\u2026\u201d).<\/em> Instead I wrote down every sticker that publicized or promoted something bigger, so-to-speak.<\/p>\n Some expressed themselves via only a singular letter\u2026 \u201cL\u201d, \u201cA\u201d, \u201cT\u201d, and \u201cM\u201d\u2026<\/p>\n Others were succinct through a single word \u2014 first, those encouraging exercise\u2026 \u201cSkate\u201d, \u201cSwim\u201d, \u201cRun\u201d. But still more chose a word of seemingly increased imperative\u2026 \u201cLove\u201d, \u201cCoexist\u201d\u2026<\/p>\n There was a strong contingent of proud students and alumni\u2026 \u201cVillanova\u201d, \u201cVirginia\u201d and \u201cVirginia Tech\u201d, \u201cTexas\u201d, \u201cTennessee\u201d, \u201cBoston College\u201d, \u201cPurdue\u201d, \u201cPenn State\u201d, and many more. Prouder, perhaps, were the parental units\u2026 \u201cWest Virginia Mom\u201d, \u201cOhio State Mom\u201d, \u201cClemson Mom\u201d, and moms from UCF and Florida, too (\u2026 question: do dads don stickers?).<\/em><\/p>\n I will admit, I was somewhat leery of the plethora of political messaging I would encounter; our messaging as a nation has been pretty poor in the respect category this past decade. The political stickers were less prominent than the collegiate crowd, but still vocal\u2026 \u201cTrump\u201d, \u201cYes We Can\u201d, \u201cStop Obama\u201d, \u201cShe Persisted\u201d, \u201cNot a Liberal\u201d, \u201cI Am a Woman and I Vote\u201d, \u201cMake America Great Again\u201d, and perhaps most poignant, \u201cDon\u2019t Assume I Like Your Politics\u201d.<\/p>\n Granted, there were some who focused instead on the issue\u2026 \u201cAbortion Is a Slaughter of the Innocent\u201d, \u201cWar Is Not the Answer\u201d, \u201cOur Nation Is Open\u201d, and \u201cPolice Lives Matter\u201d. Let me add that the latter was one of the few messages frequently repeated\u2026 \u201cBack Blue\u201d or \u201cBack the Blue\u201d were the most popular refrains.<\/p>\n I was struck, no less, by the refrain I saw most \u2014 that which displayed pride and support for our veterans, troops, and uniformed services\u2026 \u201cArmy Vet\u201d, \u201cVietnam Veteran\u201d, \u201cU.S. Marines\u201d, \u201cUnited States Navy\u201d, \u201cCoast Guard\u201d, \u201cGod Bless Our Troops. Especially Our Snipers\u201d. The following humbled me more\u2026 \u201cArmy Mom\u201d, \u201cMy Son Is in the US Army\u201d, \u201cPray for My Soldier\u201d, and maybe my favorite, \u201cHeroes Don\u2019t Wear Capes. They Wear Dog Tags.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGod Bless the USA\u201d\u2026 yes, another repeated refrain. There were additional comments here\u2026 \u201cIn God We Trust\u201d, \u201cJesus Saves\u201d, \u201cLife. Faith. Freedom\u201d, including multiple calls to pray.<\/p>\n Some stickers were less solemn, such as the declared love for Labradors, Westies, Steelers, Patriots, nurses, Eagle Scouts, and even Dr. Who. Then there was this whole \u201clife\u201d advertisement\u2026 \u201cMom Life\u201d, \u201cChrist Life\u201d, \u201cSalt Life\u201d, \u201cWalt Life\u201d, and \u201cBand Life\u201d. I realized there are some \u201clifes\u201d I don\u2019t totally understand. (Insert \u201cMarathon Freak\u201d here.)<\/em><\/p>\n A few more wise encouragements and notices\u2026 \u201cDisconnect & Drive\u201d and \u201cStay Alive. Don\u2019t Text and Drive\u201d, and \u201cBaby on Board\u201d. Granted, a witty friend sent me a copy of the sticker stating: \u201cAdults on Board. We Want to Live Too.\u201d<\/p>\n More that made me laugh out loud?\u2026 \u201cBach Off\u201d, \u201cDo You Believe in Life After Death? Touch My Truck and We\u2019ll Find Out\u201d, and (sorry ahead of time)<\/em> \u201cIf You Are Riding My (bleep)<\/em> This Close, You Might as Well Kiss It.\u201d<\/p>\n Obviously, we are a diverse country, a country in which “God blessing us\u201d is far more than a bumper sticker, but rather, a humbling, wise, and potentially powerful prayer. Maybe we start by learning to appreciate, respect, and understand our differences\u2026 even through often sticky expression.<\/p>\n Respectfully\u2026 <\/p>\n {Photo by Frankie Guarini<\/a> on Unsplash}<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Search for the meaning of \u201cdiversity\u201d and one will find multiple answers\u2026 \u2026 the variety of characteristics that make people and communities unique\u2026 \u2026 a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences\u2026 \u2026 more than one of something\u2026 As I recently attempted to more fully comprehend the current manifestation of this word, I simultaneously heard … <\/p>\n
\n\u2026 a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences\u2026<\/em>
\n\u2026 more than one of something\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
\nAR<\/p>\n