Character Matters Part V, Pluralism

            In the mid-seventeenth century the Dutch colonized what became New York. They chose Peter Stuyvesant as the governor of their colony. He’d governed the Dutch West Indies successfully. He was a brave man, losing a leg during a fracas with the Spanish or Portuguese. He took over the floundering New Amsterdam and set about making it function smoothly. He imposed his will through a variety of measures, including controlling the sale and consumption of alcohol, setting a speed limit on public roads, and closing the colony to Jews, Muslims, Catholics, and Atheists. His attempts to limit immigration to good Dutch Christians fell on deaf ears and the leadership of the Dutch West India company rebuffed his attempts, forcing him to accept anyone that came and was willing to live and work peaceably. Ever the good employee, Stuyvesant complied with his orders and the colony flourished. Eventually, when the British arrived, threatening to shell the colony unless they surrendered, Stuyvesant was unable to rally a common defense and the colony changed hands without a shot fired in anger. New Amsterdam became New York and Stuyvesant stumped off into history. But the stage was set for a pluralistic new world.

            Any leader in our nation must understand that long ago we embraced pluralism, a multi-cultural, multi-racial view of our nation. We’ve not always well complied with our stated goals; however, we continually strive to achieve this high standard. Pluralism demands that a candidate for any leadership position, any public position really, in our country must be able to set aside racial prejudice and evaluate individuals on their inherent merits. Leaders that evaluate others based on their skin pigmentation, ethnic origin, religious upbringing (or lack thereof), or sex fail to understand one of the most basic philosophical concepts of our nation. Leaders must clearly understand that they represent all Americans, not just the ones that they resemble. When leaders adhere to this idea, they strengthen our nation.

            Pluralism is one of the greatest strengths of our country. Racism, the polar opposite of pluralism, closes the door to talent and opportunity. When we view the “other” with suspicion, we limit ourselves and our nation. When we set aside our fear and accept those of differing backgrounds, we thrive. Pluralism enables us to grow and solve seemingly intractable problems. Those with differing backgrounds, differing experiences, and differing points of view often see solutions we miss because of our backgrounds. Closing the door on their full participation in our national and cultural life closes the door on richness and variety. When we limit others from full participation, economic, cultural, or political, we hobble the vision of those that founded our nation. For those of us that claim to follow Jesus, pluralism recognizes and embodies Galatians 3:28, “²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” English Standard Version. Pluralism recognizes the inherent worth of the individual and the value they bring to the larger community. Whether we draw our concept of a pluralistic society from scripture or other philosophical roots, an open society which welcomes all works best and our leaders must recognize and embrace this concept.

            Any candidate for leadership that seeks to divide, that uses race, sex, ethnic origin, or other like factor as a discriminator does not measure up to our standards for public office. By embracing discriminatory and racially divisive tactics, they reject what it means to be an American and what we expect from all our leaders. No amount of correctness on political or policy issues overcomes this peculiarly salient character flaw. Leaders must call us to unity, to coalesce as a people in order to address those things that challenge us. Candidates that employ tactics of fear do not deserve our support since they do not understand what it means to be a leader in our nation. Pluralism sits at the core of our national identity.

            Pluralism opens the door. Racism seeks to shut the door. Pluralism welcomes. Racism alienates. Pluralism sets a large table. Racism limits the seating. Pluralism strengthens and enables. Racism weakens and demeans. Candidates for public office in our land must understand these truths. They must willingly expand opportunities for all Americans for we will only succeed as a nation when everyone is welcome and free to fully participate in all areas of society and culture. Those candidates that are either unable or unwilling to embrace this concept do not deserve our consideration or support.