Student Essay First Prize, Grade 7 - 8
Diversity in Cultures and Unity in Actions
By Hong Pham
Ralph Bunche International Studies Middle School
Teacher: Mrs. Juanita Jones
I am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America, a nation known for its tolerance of differences. I believe this brought about the greatness of the country. Here is a place where people globe wide gather together, bringing with them the traditions, the religion, the customs, and the language of their heritage. The race and culture from the corners of the world unite to make a nation of nationalities. I see the multi-cultures as eye-catching vibrant colors blended together with the most intricate and delicate touch to create the most extravagant piece of art.
As I carefully observe my community of St. Louis, I see evidence, markings, of an assortment of cultures. I see Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, or Arabic restaurants, groceries, gift shops, and convenience stores scattered about, and I appreciate and respect all of them. I am of an Asian race of black hair, yellow skin, and brown eyes and I feel comforted that there are other races that can relate to mine, having been in another land and brought to America. Since I am of another race, I know how following the original customs in a new land can be challenging. I go to a center to learn about my religion as well as my home language, for I would not want to lose my heritage like some others who deny it and become "Americanized." I, rather, want to seize on to it because it is my history, present, and future.
While attending an International Studies school, my opportunity to encounter those of other races comes easily. I once remember meeting a unique peer named Cherry. She was new to America for about three months, yet it amazes me that she was so polite, gentle, and meek towards everyone beside her. She says "thank you" for the smallest deeds, and compliments others frequently by saying "you're so nice" or "you're so beautiful and talented." She said she lived in Bangladesh, a country beside India, and had learned some English there. She showed me her own language by speaking to me in it and writing the characters down on paper. She wore traditional clothing on some days, and I loved the style she wrapped herself in that shiny emerald dress. I was enticed to learn everything about her and her culture. Here is a culture I was glad and honored to be introduced to, and it made me realize the multitude of intriguing cultures in the world that I was unaware of.
Racial harmony is always a quest for the people of America. Through racial harmony, we connect more with others, for we gain trust and support. Being able to get along with other cultures and races is a happy prospect, because obtaining friends are always better than foes. I would not mind living with a neighbor of another culture, because I welcome diversity. When coming from different backgrounds, ideas are likely to be different, but these can serve as an advantage. All these opinions, beliefs, and views can be combined through cooperation to satisfy all. This cooperation can result in a making that surpasses all others because many views and thoughts were considered. It is better to shake hands, accept differences, adapt to them, and live peacefully. Beneath all, we are still human beings and we must respect one another.
Who can ever erase the images of September 11, 2001? One race in particular had a more tragic experience for it revolved around them, and that being the Arabs in the United States, even in other countries where they inhabit. Some Arab families were being punished for the cruel actions of other Arabs. They were discriminated, sworn at, and their homes were vandalized. This was an uncalled for act, because these families were innocent and they remained loyal to America. By doing this, we are truly provoking more disputes. Despite the terrorism, the Arabic ethnic group needs to be respected. I feel shameful of this event, and I am relieved to know that most accuses have dispersed. There was positively a lack of trust in the hearts of those who showed prejudice. It is understandable about the grievance of the 911 attack, yet the act was intolerable. If only there was more racial harmony between the Arabs and other races, then happenings such as this could have been prevented. Since this is a multi-culture and multi-race country, we would not want to omit the Arabic race or any race from it.
The freedom in this land is gradually being limited more and more because threatening occurrences calls for a change. Our freedom, our liberty, weakens because additional laws are stated, and current privileges are deprived. This brings us a step closer to uniformity, a condition we would not approve of because our chance to be different lessens, for the right to self-expression holds on by a thread if these privileges were to vanish. To visualize a day when you can't distinguish between the ethnic communities here is unpleasant. We want to be outstanding with attributes in which we could be recognized.
To have something that is distinct from another is spectacular. I am devoted to all the customs of my Asian race and culture. I take joy in celebrating our wondrous New Year's Day with its sweet delicacies and magnificent decorations. I love celebrating the season with the Mid-Autumn Festival with its festive lanterns and legends. If this sounds fascinating, imagine all the other customs you can uncover among the numerous races and cultures. We must welcome and endorse the diversity in America to show the generosity of our nation. It is an obligation that we retain within our minds to look beyond the features and deep within the hearts where the marvel lies. You can discover amazing things. I believe the diversity in our country needs to be cherished. There is a saying that you don't know what you have until you lose it. The same goes with what America is acknowledged for, the range of cultures in its society.
So let us together form a remarkable circle and embrace the hands of our fellowmen of any ethnicity, philosophy, or legacy. We need to raise our hands and lift our heads to be the pride of our nation. In solidarity do we continue to live up to the ideals of our country, the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Student Essay First Prize, Grades 5 - 6
Diversity in Cultures and Unity in Actions
By Sara Ringling, Claymont School
Teacher: Mrs. Jill Walter
America is a country made up of all different cultures. Take me for instance. I am American and Egyptian. I am Muslim, and one of my friends, she is part Korean. I also have friends that are Jewish, Presbyterian, Christian, Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist. We don't care what religion our friends are. We respect them for who they are.
After September 11th everyone in our country came together, no matter what their origins, beliefs or races were. The terrorists thought they could bring America down, rip it apart--they didn't, and couldn't ever. We lived up to our name, the United States of America.
Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr.---all of them were very important to our country's history. Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth both fought to free slaves. Sojourner made very important and meaningful speeches. Harriet Tubman led hundreds of slaves into Canada and the northern states. Abraham Lincoln was president during the Civil War. He fought against slavery and was a very great president. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the rights of all races. He made a very important speech beginning with "I have a dream." Well, he did have a dream. He wanted everyone to be equal.
I really don't understand why some people in other countries aren't open to people who have a different origin, belief, race, or religion. It's fun to meet new people who are different. You can learn a lot of new things and get a different view of the world. That is what makes America a great country.
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