Alan’s TTIM Stories #43

A famous painting by John Trumbull hangs in the United States Capitol rotunda. The “Declaration of Independence” recreates the signing of the document with likenesses of 56 signers. Completed in 1817, it also graces the reverse side of the two dollar bill. The artwork is an interesting piece of Americana, but it does not represent the entirety of our country – not now, not even then.

Let’s take a quick look at the numbers:
(estimated based on recent census numbers)
White/Caucasian                         42%
Hispanic                                        18%
Black / African American           12%
Multi-Ethnicity                              10%
Asian                                                6%
Indigenous and Islanders             3%
Other Ethnicities                             9%

The numbers represent reality that cannot be ignored or legislated away or disappear in screaming voices of racism from the lunatic far-right. The diversity of our country creates a stronger nation. When we accept and celebrate our differences, we will benefit from what we have in common – being Americans. The ability to concentrate on the well-being of all citizens and future citizens leads to peaceful coexistence and cooperative efforts to thrive.

When trying to describe the true American culture, we can take pride in freedom, patriotism, apple pie, and diversity. We are blessed with different backgrounds, customs, and beliefs – all creating a nation of individuals with access to greater knowledge and understanding.

A nation of diversity and tolerance attracts the greatest minds from around the world to spur innovations in science and medicine to improve the lives of all Americans in health and commerce. It attracts people with a strong work ethic to support many aspects of our economy.

Even the customs, festivals, and various cuisines add to the enjoyment of all Americans and contribute to the economy.  

Consider the limited list below of immigrants contributing to American culture adding significant richness to our lives through science, entertainment, commerce, culture, and politics:
Albert Einstein
Irving Berlin
Bob Marley
John Muir
Yo-Yo Ma
Liz Claiborne
Miriam Makeba
Madeleine Albright
Oscar de le Renta
Nikola Tesla
Mariano Rivera
Andrew Carnegie
John James Audubon
Wernher von Braun
John Lennon
Alex Trebek
Bob Hope
and Michael Paulus VanDervort₁

It’s time to come together to accept, celebrate, and utilize our diversity. I’ll start with a margarita.

Sources:
Census.gov
Wikimedia Common
Wikipedia
University of Buffalo Study

₁ My ancestor who immigrated from Flanders prior to 1640.

_____________________________

Follow  announcements of Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author, with all available posts at www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels by the author include: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer, found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.