Heeding the lessons of diversity

LAST Saturday, in the six centuries-old St George’s Chapel, at the British royalty landmark Windsor Castle, not only were centuries of tradition overturned, but history was created with the wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, an American actress of mixed race (a descendant of African and European ethnicity). The latter, now officially Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex, becomes the first non-European to be officially part of the British Royal family, by way of marriage.

Such an event has to be the story of the fairy tale wedding. But be it as it is, it was groundbreaking, for the other historic occurrences which took place before a congregation of 800 special invitees; another 2500 in the outer grounds of the chapel; the over 1.4B global audience, and the over 100,000 well-wishers who lined the narrow streets of Windsor, to cheer the happy couple as they were carriage-driven.

Beginning with the fact that the Duchess, is a divorcee, a category once debarred as marriage partners for any single British Royal, there were others of historical significance which created firsts for a royal nuptial: such as an African-American choir that sang the Ben E. King hit, “Stand by me”, which is quite unusual for the well-known solemn, staid ritual of the Church of England wedding ceremonies; the singing of harmonious strains of the ever popular negro spirituals, “Amen’’ and ‘’This little light of mine’’. There was even the beautifully delivered sermon on the redemptive power of love, delivered by an African American Bishop which was appropriate and timely, especially given the occasion that reflected the love of the two very special people of that joyful moment. There was even an African lead cellist, sitting strategically in the Chapel, as he serenaded the congregation, along with his other musician colleague.

For a country that has become the home of so many different nationalities, cultures, and diversities over the last 60 years, from around the globe owing to its colonial history, it has always been debated as to the absence of a non-white person within the apex of the British society – the Royal family. It was opined that even though the country is known for its deeply drawn lines of class and privilege, and of course-discrimination on the basis of colour, that such bastions of impediments have been gradually whittling away by the presence of members of parliament, cabinet ministers, and even the House of Lords, that reflects Britain’s socio-ethnic diversity.

Thus, for the first time ever, Britain has witnessed an official acceptance and display of multiculturalism and rich diversity, that not only enlivened but added a touch of refreshing springtime to what was a wonderful occasion for a couple who are obviously in love.

There are those who will say that it was a one off, tailored for that moment; however, the larger picture emanating from such a single event, is one that has sent a message that change from once held, seemingly fixed socio-cultural positions is quite possible and can be achieved, once the will to do so is there.

For us here in Guyana, and we are sure that since it was a weekend morning, there would have been a nation-wide television audience to the televised proceedings, such should have some lessons for us all.

First, that even though we are a country of many races and cultures and that each race is entitled by right to its particular cultural moorings, customs etcetera, that such do not have to engender isolationist tendencies, intolerance, and hatred.

Second, that although as a people we are differentiated because of race and cultural differences, that the latter must not be a barrier for appreciating and enjoying diversity.

Instead, multiculturalism should be seen as adding an entirely new flavour and taste to an otherwise routine way of life; for, it is about discovering those other untapped wonders that can make our collective lives much happier and more peaceful. One has only to look at the fusion of national dance cultures, and other artistic displays, portrayed for national occasions by the Guyana School of Dance, and other cultural and artistic organisations; to understand what a wonderful world it is, when cultures combine for social entertainment.

Third, that since multiculturalism is about diversity, it should also be about acceptance of our differences, which can lead to a fusion of ideas for a progressive understanding of the world in which we live. Guyana will be a better country for all of us and our generations to come, should we begin to heed the lessons from the royal wedding.

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