Power in Numbers

This is a response to a post that Shawna made on Thursday. She made a valid point about how certain social groups and types flock together.

It's true, most social groups stick to people who look like them or have similar interests and struggles as them.

I know that for me, being in a group like Pride Alliance gives me a nice sense of solidarity. I can be with people who are similar to me in my sexuality and my ideals and activist drive. I got lonely in high school, because I didn't know very many people of the LGBT community, so it was awesome to come here and be with people who are like me and can understand where I've come from.

Having said that, can't we all relate to each other in the sense that we're human beings? As a class, I'm sure that the majority of us have at least ONE similar experience in common. Perhaps we can't all relate on levels of racism, sexism or homophobia but as long as you know and accept these things as being wrong and taking actions to fight them, then you can be a part of these diverse communities.

Groups like Women's Student Union, Pride Alliance or Black Student Union are great to have in the sense that it provides a community for similar people facing similar struggles. It's awesome to belong somewhere. Having said that, we NEED allies to help us fight back on things like racism, homophobia or sexism. The Women's Student Union NEEDS men who support their causes. Pride Alliance NEEDS straight allies to help us advocate for the LGBT community. The Black Student Union NEEDS people of other races to help combat racism and promote equality. We all NEED each other to make it through this century.

We can take the time to celebrate our diversity, but we shouldn't isolate. We need to appreciate!