SHOW: Nothing but the truth

The recent PBS showing of “Our Private Idaho” has generated a surprising amount of emotional reaction locally. My perspective is that it wasn’t an attack on Idaho. It merely pointed out a statistic that Idaho is primarily white and conservative. That’s a fact; we are.

There are some of us who would like more diversity. There is much to be gained by exposure to and learning from different racial, religious, generational and cultural groups. There is always more to learn and are more viewpoints (including political and economic) to consider.

All of the current critical issues our country and government face are international in scope. Their solutions require not just diversity but pluralism, seeing through many eyes. Respect for “others” and for what feels “different” is a mere beginning, but begin we must. Our recent ambassador, Arthur Goldberg, once said, “When others (people or nations) disagree with us, they usually have good reasons for doing so.” Would it really threaten or harm us to look into those reasons?

Here in Coeur d’Alene, we have advanced in the spread of diversity. The Human Rights Education Institute, established by Greg Carr, has spent the last year featuring historical exhibits, lectures and events honoring our Coeur d’Alene Tribe and its ongoing contributions to the community. In the two previous years, it featured the principles and teachings of Mahatma Ghandi, which expanded our connections with many peace activists and their work. The year before that was a “China year,” where all HREI events were around some aspect of Chinese culture.

In January, HREI shares many events in our local schools around the birthday of MLK and his 13-year career as head of the modern civil rights movement (which has now become an international human rights movement). In February, HREI continues educating with its Black History Month exhibits and events, always highlighting the “Invisible Heroes” — the black American soldiers of all the wars and their incredible military contributions, from the war for Independence on through both world wars and beyond.

Social Justice, an even playing field for all, respect for one anothers’ religious practices and celebrations, shared hope for a peaceful world — all require an acceptance of a pluralistic society. Diversity is a mere beginning and here in Coeur d’Alene we have begun.

MARIAN BRECKENRIDGE

Coeur d’Alene