I've never understood why societies tend to notice the aspects that are different between members, rather than concentrating on the aspects of similarities. I've both watched and personally experienced the phenomena of people who are not happy with each other uniting against a common problem. How amazing when energies and passions are combined to produce more than double the results (synergy).
As a simple but powerful example, consider the various religious quotes regarding "love they neighbor":
Full of love for all things in the world, practicing virtue in order to benefit others, this man alone is happy. -- Buddhism
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you... By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. -- Christianity
Seek to be in harmony with all your neighbors; live in amity with your brethren. --Confucianism
A man obtains a proper rule of action by looking on his neighbor as himself. --Hinduism
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. --Judaism
Regard Heaven as your father, Earth as your mother, and all things as your brothers and sisters. --Shintoism
Doesn't this sound like the distinct possibility that one God is speaking through all these religions?
So whether it's religion, race, disabilities, weight, education, income, abilities, or any other of a host of 'differences' you may feel about another person, just concentrating on the 'similarities' is far healthier (for everyone), easier to maintain (requires much less of your energy), and overall leaves you feeling much more peaceful and serene about the choices you're making in your life.
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