SMORGASBORD: Lesson in diversity for Idaho
I grew up in the Midwest. My community was rural, republican, and two steps removed from Little House on the Prairie.
Neighbors of different religions, nationalities, and backgrounds worked together. No one thought about making their neighbor be just like them.
Social gatherings often were centered around the smorgasbord. At first the dishes were northern European. Then new and different foods started to appear. Lasagna. Fried rice. Enchiladas.
No one said, “You can’t bring that Tater Tot hot dish because I find it offensive.”
No one said, “All these different dishes are divisive.”
No one forced anyone to sample every dish. No one supplied a list of “acceptable” dishes. Everyone was free to choose. Everyone!
I’ve been thinking about the smorgasbord and the lessons it holds for Idahoans.
Recent comments by the head of the Idaho GOP and members of the “Snowflake Caucus” in the state legislature stand in contrast to this feature of the rural Midwest culture.
Today we are told that expressing different ideas and flying different flags are divisive. We are told that regulating government uniformity makes everyone feel welcome. We are told expressing differences is offensive.
When did that kind of thinking become normal?
MARY OLLIE
Bonners Ferry