MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- “The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.” – Unknown Author
The Department of the Air Force defines diversity as “the combination of backgrounds, attributes, and cultures in our Total Force that are consistent with our values and reflective of the nation we serve, which together bolster innovation, drive operational excellence, and enhance readiness.” We rely on diversity to ensure we remain a dominant, collaborative, and disruptive force that continually changes the game through innovation and influence.
Originated in 2004, Celebrate Diversity Month honors the common spirit of humankind and the diversity of the world around us. There are a multitude of opportunities to embrace other cultures in our everyday lives. Whether we learn how to say popcorn in one of seventeen different ways from Latin America or travel to the deepest underwater postbox in Susami, Japan, uncovering a culture unlike our own can be fascinating.
The world offers us the chance to interact and embrace different cultures, religions, traditions, and belief systems from anywhere. We are no longer limited to the inconvenience of air travel and spending extreme amounts of money to “experience” the most sought-after destinations.
Take a virtual tour of the Taj Mahal at https://artsandculture.google.com/story/taj-mahal-a-tour-from-the-top/zAUxtGbI2DyODQ?hl=en.
Throughout the month of April, we will “embrace and celebrate our unique diversity” by sharing interesting facts from different cultures. Did you know the French will normally wash their glasses first before alternating from red to white wine? Be sure to check out the Misawa Air Base social media sites for more facts.
If you would like to learn more ways to celebrate, Celebrate Diversity Month, please visit https://www.stompoutbullying.org/blog/diversity-month.
If you would like to get involved with the Misawa Diversity Council or any of the Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Groups, please contact Wyteeshia McRoberts, Chief Advisor of Diversity and Inclusion, at 226-1770 or wyteeshia.mcroberts@us.af.mil.