by Stephanie Sadler

Created on: January 30, 2009

Writer Anais Nin once said: "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

If this is applied to cultures, to the possibility of accepting all cultures, it means casting aside the lens that distorts our understanding and allows us only to view others in relation to our own lifestyles.

Every culture is different. Different doesn't imply wrong or backwards. Diversity is beauty and, if thought processes are to change, we must learn to appreciate the beauty in our differences.

It is easy to cast aside people who are different because we don't understand them. When we don't understand something, we fear it. When we fear something and don't attempt to make peace with that fear through understanding, it breeds hatred. It creates stereotypes that are magnified in popular culture and passed on through generations until they become deeply rooted "truths". Some people are comfortable in ignorance.

For example, Africa has been called the Dark Continent. But, geographer George Kimble pointed out that "the darkest thing about Africa has always been our ignorance of it."

In reality, while there are wars, genocide, rape, etc., there is also an immense amount kindness in the people, vibrant colours, energy, gorgeous landscapes, impressive wildlife, and moving traditions.

After 9/11 came fear, then hatred and stereotypes. Anyone from the Middle East and all Muslims became associated with terrorism. Americans didn't know how to react to Muslims after that. Some of my best friends are Muslim and I can tell you from experience, they are some of the most peaceful people in the world. It is a select few who have scarred their culture and religion. The word, Salaam, which is Arabic for "peace" has the same root as the word Islam.

Living in a multicultural city is way to break away from hatred, coming in contact from people all over the world on a daily basis, being submerged in other languages and customs, having conversations about places in the world face to face and not just from the media, etc. The intertwining of cultures adds a vibrant atmosphere to a big city which usually will hold celebrations to mark important events from many different parts of the world. All opportunities for learning.

And, of course, travel is a brilliant way to transform our thoughts. America is a different world. If there is one thing I realised since moving to London two years ago is that travelling can change your life completely. In America, we are isolated to a certain extent. Not many of my friends have passports and not so many of them are more than vaguely interested in international travel. In Europe, it's easier, of course, but I think that every American should go abroad at some point and experience a world outside of their own.

The best way to break away from cultural hatred is through pure curiosity. Educate yourself. The internet is full of information. Take the time to learn about other people's beliefs and culture and you will, no doubt, notice yourself changing in the process. Some discoveries will be incredible, some shocking, some beautiful, some unbelievable, but once the digging and learning starts, it continues on forever. Only then will thoughts begin to change.

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Sadler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.