No matter what you're religious beliefs or ethnic background you are or aren't, you might be interested in viewing and listening to the ideas and solutions of Eboo Patel.
"We need to find ways for people from different backgrounds to get to know each other." He poses that brotherhood and understanding is the key to disarming conflict, especially the conflicts and wars that are born from religious misunderstandings. He says that too often it's children and teens that are fighting wars around the world so it's important that we build opportunities for children and teens to talk across the borders of faith, especially as America's original policies were based on the ideals of freedom and tolerance. Patel shares that America is a nation where people from the four corners of the world come together and it's our nation where open dialogue and discussion is allowed happen. He tells the story of a man and his son reflecting on their internment during WWII, "...[A]nd by your people I don't just mean the Japanese, never let American forget about this, because America is too good for what it did to us. [Japanese Internment]" The reason there is freedom in America is due to the diversity that protects this freedom. It's up to all of us to embrace our differences and learn about each other so we have peace and tolerance instead of mistrust and conflict.
The Interfaith Youth Organization webpage says "Imagine a world where people from different religious backgrounds come together to create understanding and respect by serving their communities. This is the world we are building."
Powerful stuff and a message that I personally had never considered, especially in the public school setting.
Listen to his intelligent, inspirational and enlightening video from his speech at Cincinnati's Freedom Center. What does this mean for public school students? Can we have these discussions in school? What do you think? Feel free to send me your comments after listening to his video in its entirety. http://www.ifyc.org/about_movement
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