Diversity

* I recently moved to Ventura from Malaysia when I married my husband, who is an American. Although I enjoy the beautiful surroundings Ventura has to offer, I must admit to feeling unwanted in most parts.

For instance, when I go to the malls, I can never find a salesperson who wants to help me even if there are many salespeople around. When I walk into a restaurant, I am never greeted, but everyone else is. When I go to the supermarket, the checker isn’t as cheerful as she is to everyone else.

I am painfully aware that I am different, of different color and of national origin. The America that I thought of in Malaysia was a place where everyone was treated with respect regardless. It’s a sad realization for me.

I guess the point I want to make is that people need to understand that humans come in all shapes, colors and ethnic backgrounds, and that to embrace diversity is to welcome all God’s creation.

MEETA BEGUM

Ventura