RECOGNIZE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

I recently listened to a program on possible legalization of the sale and
use of marijuana in this country. Some arguments in favor of its use were
that studies made in several European countries that legalized its sale
show no increase in use.

Why can't people in the United States realize and understand that every
race, culture and society is different and they all have differing needs?
Even in this country there are vast differences between various groups of
people, whether they have been in this country for generations or recently
migrated here.

People of other cultures have different values and customs, and the way
they look at and interpret things are different. What works for one group
can be different from what works for another group. Ethnic, cultural,
racial, religious and societal norms are not the same among all people in
the world.

I heard of a situation where assistance was being provided in a country and
while people of one religious belief readily accepted it, those of another
religious belief rejected it, despite their continued hardships in doing so.

We do not seem to understand the diversity among people of the world and
the fact that unless and until we understand these differences, what we try
to impose on others will not work to their good, but to our detriment.
Until we do recognize these differences, study and analyze them, and
understand why they there are differences, we will not be able to help
people in other parts of the world and they will not be able to help us.

Wake up Americans and recognize that people are different, and that
difference needs to be understood before we can "do for others" or even do
for ourselves through others.

David E. L'Heureux, Rockville