Diversity or similarity, integration or assimilation, identity or rootlessness, belonging or displacement...all reflect the paradox that is the situation/condition of the day. Our differences are a gift to explore and celebrate as they give shade and colour to our present and are enriched by our past which is where the similarities lie...i.e. our historical antecedents. So when one talks of searching and not finding and feeling anger and frustration one is venting the rage of a sandfly as the poet says. It is the diversity of cultures, languages, races, beliefs which enriches us but only if we are large enough to be tolerant of another even if we do not subscribe to that other person's creed. To share is noble and laudable but to accept what is being offered in far nobler in the sense that one must have a certain sense of self-confidence and a sufficient amount of self-esteem to not feel threatened by the other. So that you can have a curry today, a kebab tomorrow and ackee and saltfish the next day while enjoying your weekend of Jelof rice and peas or roast beef and potatoes with as much relish as the one or the other. So coming from one crucible of a history our sparks fly, ignite and spread in many directions leading us into the worlds of tomorrow and the next day.
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