Earth is leaning more and more to becoming a hate-related planet. It seems that if someone is not happy with his lot in life, someone needs to be blamed. The world is full of customs and religions that are different and this can be frightening. Fear makes people do some strange things.
Variety is the spice of life
I’m amazed how people embrace and enjoy the cuisines of another culture yet are still hesitant to accept the other differences. Knocking down the barriers isn’t easy.
The diversity of food is one of the great joys of the world today. Ethnic restaurants are popping up all over the place allowing everyone a chance to try something different. And quite often, the options are delicious.
All I know is that it tastes so good
People are gobbling up shawarmas on the western Canadian prairies (Edmonton, my hometown) while the locals in Middle Eastern countries are enjoying cheeseburgers. There are no boundaries when it comes to food. Kudos to the restaurant entrepreneurs that bring the various food offerings to the masses wherever.
Some venues are fast-food and others are upscale dining. The opportunity to experiment is there for the taking. Chances are good that you may fall in love with a particular food. Close your eyes, take a bite, forget the ethnic background, and enjoy. Go ahead, take a walk on the wild side.
“Take a walk on the wild side”
The simple pleasures don’t end with food
Music is another cultural form that knows no boundaries. There are no rules on what type of music a person prefers. It’s personal. Striking that nerve that only melodic sound can achieve is under appreciated. The common ground of enjoyment without the constraints of religion or political views cannot be overlooked. It is quite personal. Much like food. And don’t forget about fashion.
Don’t slip into this abyss of intolerance
The commonality of mankind is enjoying the simple pleasures in life, and we should be grateful for the variety and quality that we are offered.
The rhetoric in the world used these days by politicians and social media is disturbing as it wants to divide us, looking for differences rather than the same indulgences we share. Ignoring civil rights is an example of the disagreements that divide us, but we need to find some mutual ground from which to build.
To have a diverse group of people sit at a communal table with a wide selection of food without any baggage or pre-conceived views would be a welcome sight. This occurs in Edmonton yearly at our Heritage Festival where citizens experience customs and food from numerous countries.
It’s hard to remain enemies when you’ve broken bread together. The hurdle is that with good food and drink, there is usually conversation. Keeping politics out of it is the key to enjoying the meal although there is nothing better than a healthy argument.
It’s a start to respecting each other, and who knows, there may be similarities shared. Wouldn’t that be a revelation?