THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 12, 1995 TAG: 9503100208
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Why is diversity so divisive in Portsmouth?
A new round of Face to Face with Race discussion groups will begin this month to talk about differences and discover likenesses that could begin to bridge the space between segments of the city.
The conversation circles will give Portsmouth citizens an opportunity to ask questions of each other. They are a time to learn why different people react different ways to certain situations.
The folks who met together in the pilot groups last year found that differences in background do not necessarily make a lot of difference in feelings. Many learned from each other that they have similar hopes and dreams as well as similar disappointments and failures.
In Portsmouth differences of opinion often seem to be construed as racial bias rather than honest disagreements. In reality, no two people are ever going to agree on everything or react in the same way. Not even members of the same family always see eye to eye.
When individuals get to know each other, they can overcome misunderstandings that create so many of society's ills. When they know the truth, they do not allow themselves to be set against each other by those who try to use them for personal gain. They learn to get beyond political rhetoric to real life.
Real life in Portsmouth means getting past differences to common ground. Otherwise, this city will not be able to move forward and all of us have seen that when it is not going forward, it slides backward in a hurry.
Face to Face with Race is a citizen effort. The circles are open to all people who want to make this city work. Participants come from all walks of life, all parts of the community.
The circles are a time for getting to know each other and they may be the only way Portsmouth folks can bridge the divisiveness that is holding us back. by CNB