COUNCIL FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Chair ’ s
COLUMN
Why I Serve in Support of Diversity
Those of you I ’ ve met know I ’ m passionate about diversity and inclusion . Not the “ America is a melting pot ” kind , though . Melting everyone into one homogeneous fondue feels like the antithesis of diversity . I believe America is a “ salad bowl .” Everyone in the bowl is a different ingredient – each with different flavors , colors , consistency , and texture . Separately , great . But together , with some delicious freedom dressing courtesy of the US Constitution , we ’ re even better . But you are probably still wondering why this is a passion of mine .
My story begins in Turkey , where I was born . My family did not belong to the majority religion : Islam . As this began to impact my family in a variety of ways , my parents became concerned about whether their children would be viewed as equals in pursuing their aspirations . I was seven when they sacrificed everything they knew to move here in search of equality for their children . Once here , the challenges were difficult . Growing up , my emotions about their sacrifice manifested as an inner bitterness toward all of Islam . I knew few Muslim people and next to nothing about Islam . Regardless , I was angry . Though I rarely discussed it with anyone , I disliked Islam and Muslim people because of it .
Then September 11 happened . In reaction , fear , bitterness , anger , and ignorance caused many to project the extremist ideology of the terrorists onto the entirety of the religion . Muslims were made to feel unwelcome . This reaction spilled over toward my family as well : we were assumed to be Muslim because of our nationality . My parents , with their accents , were easy targets . I recall , vividly , a particular ethnic slur used against me on more than one occasion .
Somehow , again , it felt like my family was not welcome because of religion . I had to reconcile my previously existing discriminatory beliefs with the unfairness I felt as the one targeted . I felt shame that I let my personal feelings allow me to hate an entire group of people . I chose to shed that hate , and it was liberating . I became a more outspoken defender for those who were unfairly marginalized .
Even so , I admit sometimes I ’ ve been shocked into inaction . I recall walking into a gathering in college , hosted by fellow students from Sarasota County , and leaving almost immediately . There was a giant Nazi flag draped across the ceiling . Just a few years ago , while boating in Venice , a group of young kids were nearby throwing a ball in the water . A lone black child was among the group . The other kids began to yell “[ d ] on ’ t let the [ slur ] get it .” Nearby adults laughed . I sat down , nearly in tears . I was privileged to not be directly targeted by those acts of ignorant hate ; privileged to be able to walk away . I don ’ t want to walk away anymore .
As a result , I ’ m proud to serve as Chair of the CDI . If you share our desire to promote diversity and inclusion , e-mail me . We ’ d love to get you involved , too . �
14 | THE DOCKET - NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021