Cultural Festival can help bring out the best in people
One of the best ways to tolerance is through love.
That's what Louis Mbughuni told The Gazette this week.
He was talking about an important message conveyed by this Saturday's all-day Portage County Cultural Festival at Stevens Point Area Senior High School.
"You don't want to hurt people you love. You don't want to exclude people
you love. If love is the predominant theme, then tolerance becomes possible."
That's what Mbughuni said.
A native of Tanzania, Mbughuni came to central Wisconsin several years ago. One of his many beautiful poems graces the cover of this week's County Fare section. It's his Cultural Festival gift to our readers.
The Cultural Festival celebrates the many cultures and ethnic groups that blend to create the tapestry that is Portage County.
We're more diverse today than ever, but let's face it: Central Wisconsin isn't the most cosmopolitan place in the world, and we've had our share of intolerance. It stretches back into the area's early history and, unfortunately, exists to this day.
But there's a solid core of good people here, people who judge others by their deeds, not the color of their skin, the accent in their voice or the size of their pocketbook.
Like other one-day events that celebrate worthy causes, it can only serve as a reminder of the things to which we should aspire every day. It's a day for all people, but children, especially benefit. In addition to having a great time, they can learn about cultures and ethnic groups other than their own.
Our children will grow up in a world that has much more international interaction than did their parents. Vast advances in communication and travel have truly made the world one. Our children must prepare to live in that world, and learning to tolerate and embrace the many cultures and peoples of planet Earth is essential.
That's why Saturday's Cultural Festival is such a fine event. It provides lots of information, which can lead to knowledge. Knowledge, in turn, can lead to wisdom. Thanks to all those who make the Cultural Festival possible.
– Bill Berry