Lisa O
The world is full of unique people, different cultures, and perspectives. Yet, instead of celebrating what makes us different, we often let those differences create unnecessary divides between us. From the way we look to the things we believe, small differences have a strange way of turning into big conflicts. But most of these things don’t matter nearly as much as we think they do. Here are 15 things that divide society but really shouldn’t.
Religion
Religion has shaped art, music, and culture in ways that are absolutely stunning. Think about temples, soulful hymns, or the colorful festivals people celebrate around the world—these are gems we all can enjoy. But instead of soaking in the beauty of these differences, we let religion draw lines between us. What if we focused on the shared messages of kindness, compassion, and love that almost every faith preaches?
Political Opinions
Politics is about shaping a better world, but let’s be real—it always feels more like a battlefield than a discussion. What if we treated it more like a potluck, where everyone brings their ideas to the table, and we mix and match to find the best solutions? Instead of letting elections ruin friendships or family dinners, we should trade ideas over a cup of coffee (or two) and actually listen to each other.
Gender
Society often puts people in rigid boxes—pink for girls, blue for boys—but it’s 2024, and we’re way beyond that! Gender equality isn’t about competition; it’s about fairness. Did you know that countries with better gender equality also have stronger economies? Respecting all genders isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart for everyone.
Sexual Orientation
Who someone loves is as personal as their favorite song. Just like music, love comes in all genres, and none is “better” than the other. Remember how groundbreaking it felt when same-sex couples were finally allowed to marry in many countries? That progress shows we can move forward when love, not judgment, leads the way.
Skin Color
Our skin is our body’s natural armor, and it comes in stunning shades of brown, black, white, and everything in between. Think about how boring life would be if we all looked the same. Instead of letting skin color divide us, why not embrace the beauty of diversity? Even scientists say there’s no biological basis for race—it’s all about geography and adaptation.
Social Class
Money might pay the bills, but it doesn’t decide your worth. Some of the best things in your life (like a laugh so hard you cry or a hug that makes your day) don’t cost a single penny. It’s not just about handouts or charity—it’s about leveling the playing field so every single person gets a chance to chase their dreams. At the end of the day, it’s what you give, not what you’ve got, that matters.
Education Level
Undoubtedly, degrees are great for your career, but they’re not the only measure of intelligence. Think about inventors like Thomas Edison. He had no formal education, but he still changed the world. Everyone learns differently, and skills like kindness, creativity, and empathy can’t be taught in a classroom. We should always value people for their talents, not their certificates.
Languages
Language is like a playlist, and every dialect has its own vibe. Some of the coolest cultural gems—like poetry, slang, and epic proverbs—get missed out on when we judge people for how they talk. There are over 7,000 languages out there. Instead of poking fun at accents or grammar, let’s celebrate the fact that someone can share their thoughts in more than one way.
Age
Every age group brings something valuable to the table. Kids remind us to stay curious, teens keep us updated on trends, and elders share the wisdom we’d never find in a book. Instead of thinking, “Kids these days” or “Boomers ruin everything,” what if we embraced the mix? The best ideas often come from blending youthful energy with experience.
Fashion Choices
Style is self-expression, whether it’s grungy, glamorous, or somewhere in between. Remember when ripped jeans were considered rebellious but are now mainstream? Fashion trends show how personal style can unite generations, not divide them. So the next time someone rocks an outfit you’d never wear, think of it as their way of telling their story.
Physical Appearance
The whole “perfect body” craze is totally overrated. What’s considered the “ideal” body keeps changing—remember when curves were in, then it was all about being super skinny, and now it’s muscles? Instead of stressing over trends, why not appreciate what our bodies can do? They let us laugh till we cry, hug our loved ones, and enjoy all the pizza we want (well, maybe not all of it).
Disabilities
Disabilities don’t tell the whole story about someone’s abilities. Take Beethoven, for example—he composed some of the most famous music ever, even after he started losing his hearing. People with disabilities often have amazing strengths, like resilience and creativity. Instead of feeling sorry for them, how about we focus on tearing down the barriers that hold them back and making the world a more accessible place for everyone?
Food Preferences
Pineapple on pizza—love it or hate it? Food debates are fun, but they get a little old when we start judging each other’s choices. Whether someone’s all about vegan eats, a die-hard meat lover, or rocking a gluten-free diet, it’s no one’s business but theirs. Instead of arguing, why not share a meal from a different culture? It’s a way better way to connect than to bicker over what’s on the plate.
Lifestyle Choices
City life has its buzz, and rural life has its peace—neither is better, just different. Same with introverts and extroverts; both bring value to social circles. Instead of arguing about who’s living “better,” why not appreciate the variety? Imagine how dull life would be if we all lived, worked, and partied the same way.
Hobbies and Interests
Imagine a world where everyone liked the same thing—yawn. Whether you’re into birdwatching, gaming, or knitting, hobbies make us interesting and unique. Think about how sports fans paint their faces and cheer like it’s life or death—that passion is contagious! Why judge someone when we can share and learn from each other’s quirks?