Unique

UNIQUE
First published July 8,1994

If you look at the fruit from three apple trees you may see many differences. If one of the trees is in soil not particularly suitable then the apples may be inferior. A particularly well cared for tree may have exceptionally good fruit. The third tree could be in good soil with a good climate but the fruit might be infested with bugs causing the fruit to be poorer than it otherwise would be.
These differences in the fruit of the tree, is not truly the fault of the tree but rather the result of the circumstances which affect that tree.
Of course there are different varieties of apple trees with differing characteristics. A Red Delicious apple is quite different in looks and taste from a Granny Smith apple but that doesn’t mean that one is better than the other.
People mature with differing genetic backgrounds and varying social and physical influences. Divorce, poverty, drug addiction, illness, siblings, education, social standing are among some of the things which can effect a person’s development. A person’s genetic abilities do not change but they can be enhanced or narrowed by a person’s surroundings. A person who is mechanically inclined can excel over someone who lacks such an ability just as someone who is tone deaf would be a poor musician. Education and opportunity are of course essential for a person to reach their maximum potential.
We often fail to acknowledge people’s best abilities. Not everyone can be a noted physician, singer, athlete, or minister. If no one is willing to work as a cashier, how would any store operate? If there were no construction, how would a skyscraper be built? If no one was willing to be a cook there would be no restaurants, no waiters and waitresses, no busboys, no restaurant managers, etc. We each have a role to fulfill and we should each respect everyone else’s role. Everyone has certain abilities for which they are well-suited and we, as a society, lose something when we fail to acknowledge the worth of each individual.
We are each unique individuals, formed and molded by genetics and transformed by our unique environment. I believe it is a natural response to divide people into categories. People divide themselves by race, ethnic background, political interest, religious beliefs, etc.. If we attempt in school to teach our children to treat everyone equally then is it right to have quotas or to give unequal treatment or opportunities? This spring the local high school sent out lists of available scholarships. Some were solely for women, some solely for students of certain ethnic or racial backgrounds.
I can understand these differing groups wanting to give a helping hand to a student of their choice. Are we however sending out the wrong message? If we are trying to promote fair and equal treatment regardless of race, ethnic background or gender then is it right to use these factors in determining who should get scholarships?
This desire to help someone you have some similarity with is only natural but the line between natural response and bigotry is invisible. Is a member of the NAACP a bigot? Most people would think not. If a person joined a national association for White People I am certain they would be considered racist