“Reflections.” By Peter A. Vogel, CulturePrep Founder
Watching on TV the events of the inauguration unfold from my cabin in Colorado’s high-country, the hopes of American’s – of the world community – are equally high for improved cross-cultural relations.
Clearly, the election of President Barack Obama is both a step forward for America, and a catalyst for campuses and communities to engage in dialogues about what unites us and what divides us.
The time is ripe for offering forums – safe places – for campuses and communities to engage in a deeper connection between diverse groups of people. A chance to expose the obstacles to building authentic relationships. A chance to offer a counterbalance to the forces that perpetuate intolerance, aggression, and violence. A chance to affirm diversity-friendly people and places.