Why not instead embrace, as a non-fattening substitute, “a diverse set of ideals?” Various ideals from all the sects and philosophies of humanity should be all given equal weight in our laws and public discourse.

In fact, why not change the name of our country from the “United States” to the “Diverse States” or maybe the “United States of Diversity?”

The “United States of Conformity and Intolerance” has had its chance, and that foolish union has failed the hopes of the many diverse peoples inhabiting America.

it’s all about teaching others the secret handshakes that are so intuitive to you that you don’t recognize them as secret. but you have to be aware that as one who brings my otherness to the table i’m likely going to modify the handshake somewhat in order to make it mine (and not yours on loan). so those of you who were at the party before i got there have to work to eliminate the inherent penalties against my expressions of originality (my otherness). its tough, because immediately one is faced with the question of what modifications/alterations/changes to the handshake are beyond the pale. it’s not something you can decide or come to understand by yourself; you have to arrive at it in the thickness of relationship.

i teach it to my kids (my own and my students) with the expression “make room for others.” i want them to learn to appreciate people’s otherness as just as valid as their own.