Essentially the same

Sitting and observing, one can really see a great deal.  Engaged in this activity over a cup of coffee, near a local busy intersection, it struck me that the vast, overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens are essentially the same.

Regardless of race, creed, color, religion, income level, political affiliation, age, gender, or any of the countless other groups into which the media and others attempt to either pigeon-hole or shoe horn us, folks generally want the same from life.  Health, happiness, family, friends, laughter, love, security, etc.  (Obviously, how each goal/objective is precisely defined varies from individual-to-individual.)  In pursuit of these goals/objectives, the majority of folks are law abiding, like to smile, enjoy laughing, care for each other, respect one another, love their families, and are generally self-motivated.  We are essentially the same.

Why then, I ask myself, are there so many so dramatically intent on identifying and exploiting the ways in which we are different?  Why do so many work so hard on creating, and capitalizing upon, differences?  Why are differences heralded and commonalities ignored?  Why are we subtly and not-so-subtly trained or conditioned by societal forces to look for the differences in one another rather than the similarities?

To be sure, we are a nation of individuals and I would never suggest that we yield to those who support belief systems that lower the value of the individual to the level at which it is virtually meaningless.  I'm not advocating the dumbing down, as it were, of the nation, in which everyone is expected to be given the same.  I'm merely commenting upon the members of our nation.  I believe in the individual seeking his/her unique objectives and working towards their attainment.  I believe in team work, as a family, as a nation, in the work place, in the military, in government, and in politics.  I believe hard work, as individuals, as families, as teams, is what made the country great.  At the proverbial bottom line, it is the willingness to work hard in pursuit of individual and team objectives that exemplifies how we are essentially the same.  Seeking our goals and objectives, through our own hard work, and being good citizens throughout.

So, while sipping a cup of coffee, watching the world go by, I am struck by the similarities of my fellow Americans.  Automobile traffic flows well, without the chaos I've seen in other places around the world.  Commerce flows well, with people politely waiting in line, without the loud, frenetic, bustling confusion experienced elsewhere in the world.  Friendly conversations are being held, smiles shared, and laughter overheard.  These all present evidence of the similarities we share, not the differences highlighted by some.  

When those who, in pursuit of their own selfish agendas, choose to highlight differences between us, they do a tremendous if not profound disservice to our society.  After all, we are essentially the same.