Variety

Gourds, originally uploaded by susanvg.

These oddballs were among a display of squash. The varieties of fruit and vegetables are proliferating. Tomatoes are no longer just red; peppers can be found in several colours and many shapes. We embrace the differences and the hybrids. In fact we try to create new varieties and celebrate diversity.

On the human front diversity is still not always celebrated. We have seen several instances of genocide over the last number of years. And there is often suspicion about "the other". I have certainly seen progress in North America in terms of discrimination due to race, religion, sex. However there has been a lot in the news about teasing and bullying due to homophobia with very sad results. When will we learn that while humans have many differences, we are all human with far more similarities. Diversity just adds colour to humankind - more reasons to learn from one another.