Information Related to "Treating People (Including the Opposite Sex) With Respect"
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How many people do you know who are exactly like
you—who look like you, think like you, act like you? Sure, there
are people who share some of the same characteristics you have.
About half of the world's population is the same gender you are. Roughly
one third of the world's population is the same basic racial stock as
you. Millions of people live in the same country you do, but billions
more don't.
Geneticists say that one set of parents would need to produce enough children
to populate three planets the size of the earth before they ever produced
two who were genetically identical. (Those of you who are "identical" twins
may share basically the same genetic makeup, but you know you and your
twin are still not exactly alike.) So, is there anyone exactly like you,
or are you unique? And if you are unique, what about me or your neighbors
or your friends at school or work?
In our own special ways, all of us are unique individuals who share both similarities and differences. While our similarities may bring us together, our differences should help us appreciate the unique qualities each person can bring to a relationship. Sadly, we live in a world where differences often divide people, nations and even families. The unique differences that should add richness to our lives end up separating people who could have been best friends. Racial and ethnic prejudices can artificially separate us from people who could greatly enrich our lives if we only knew them better. Does it have to be this way?
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