In a quick race to beat traffic and the threat of yet another snow storm a group of thirty teens and five teachers hopped on a yellow bus bound for Bayonne. The hour and a half drive with heaps of teens allowed little time for reflection, but plenty of time for laughing, consuming mass quantity of carbs and jamming to some fairly epic tunes. This was the fourth annual Diversity Day project held between Bayonne & Seneca High Schools. This was something that was created between my cousin, Varda, and myself after a family get together a number of years ago. It has been quite a process and one that seems to improve as the years go on. From then to now it has been an amazing experience witnessing relationships forming among these kids along with dialogue that couldn't get any richer or any more relevant. Wow.
There is great power in knowledge and yet there is tremendous potential for damage in lieu of ignorance. Having opportunity to dialogue on culture, government, religion, racial issues and things that we so often as adults do not offer a platform for discussion to anyone due to fear of discomfort or wandering outside the realm of political correctness. Somewhere along the line we have become masters at the 'bob and weave' of topics that pertain to every facet of life, but we avoid due to the possibility of pushing someone's button or making others uncomfortable. Chatting is important. Agreeing to disagree... good life lesson. Learning beyond the bubble is important and often critical. Stretch the mind, extend your hands and open your arms and the world and the experiences will be all the richer.
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