What constitutes an American? Not color nor race nor religion. Not the pedigree of his family nor the place of his birth. Not the coincidence of his citizenship. Not his social status nor his bank account. Not his trade nor his profession. An American is one who loves justice and believes in the dignity of man…
–    Harold Ickes, May 1941

Everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are no matter what religion, color, accent, or anything else. It’s supposedly a more educated and civilized society now. I think it is time to start acting like it. – Sarah Owen, age 14, Alcott Middle School, Norman, OK.

The dignity of man—an idea that is so broad and so boundless, many nations, many leaders, and many people overlook and thereby extinguish this God-given right every single day. The children of the twenty-first century have seen dignity ignored. They have witnessed it falling by the wayside to make room for power and greed. And these children have watched as the light of dignity becomes so want and wane that just a single word of hate or ignorance or disrespect can puff it out forever.
 
Today’s youth has an interesting looking glass to peer through when they envision their world and its problems. These problems: two wars fought on foreign soil, a bombing in the heartland, multiple school shootings, economic crises, and natural disasters, gift the children of this century with the right to shut their eyes to the horrific sights, their ears to the wailing, their minds to the reasons why, and their hearts to the pain.

Yet hope lies in the children’s decision to ignore their rights as exposed and manipulated individuals, and rejoices in their choice to embrace and display dignity. And nowhere is this display of dignity more evident than in the Respect Diversity Art and Poetry Contest and Symbol Exhibit.

This event celebrated its seventh anniversary at Gaylord Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum on March 25, 2008. Over 140,000 students, teachers, and adults have participated in this program’s rich dignity-inspiring, diversity-advancing, human-rights promoting foundation. Schools and students across Oklahoma helped re-light the candle of dignity as they created masterful art projects that ranged from creative, symbolic, and meaningful interpretations of what it means to be a true American, Oklahoman, and human.
 
The project artist’s ages spanned from pre-school to high school, and each example sounded the bell of understanding, acceptance, and progress for the future. Ms. Rhonda Slatten, eighth grade teacher at Alcott Middle School in Norman, OK helped her students achieve the distinction of first place in the 2008 contest. But the honor itself was not their goal.

“I wanted to find a way that (my students) could build a community with the idea that it is okay to be different. We built a chain made of many different colors and sizes to show that not everyone is the same, and it takes all of us linked together to make our world a better place for all,” stated Ms. Slatten.

Ms. Slatten and her students are not alone in their involvement and excitement for the Respect Diversity Foundation project. Jo Anne Alexander, an Edmond, OK art teacher stated, “Every single work of art that my students have created for the exhibit has been meaningful for them. The exhibit is a wonderful way to teach our community—and beyond.”

Clynell Hibbs, Multicultural Club Sponsor at Santa Fe High School in Edmond, OK reinforced the foundation with glowing approval.

“Over the years, during each project, the student’s knowledge of the elements and principles of art are enhanced. In addition, they learn so much about other cultures and more fully understand the importance of respect for diversity. This knowledge will stay with them as they become adults and then have their own children,” Hibbs said.

The beacon of dignity has been ignited and is illuminating many different schools and students within. This illumination can find its roots in the purpose of the Respect Diversity Foundation.

“The Respect Diversity Art and Poetry Contest and the Symbol Exhibit inspire thousands of students every year to collaborate and explore diversity through the arts. Over the years, many teachers have told me that they would never have thought to integrate the arts in their curriculum if not for this contest,” stated Joan Korenblit, Executive Director of the Respect Diversity Foundation.

In the end, what makes us Americans, what makes us Oklahomans, what makes us human is whether or not we can show respect to one another. It is in this interchange of dignity where peace will find its home.

Jeana Pollard is an aspiring writer living with her husband Matt and daughter Paley in Edmond, OK. She currently teaches at Edmond Memorial High School.

Note: See photos of winners on MetroFamily's digital edition, July 2008 issue.

2008-2009 Contest Theme – Rainbow Connection
Entry Form Deadline – January 9th, 2009
Visual art and poetry can show or express respect for people of different cultures and ethnicities, different ability levels, different ages, and/or different religions. The possibilities are as endless as one’s imagination.
Some examples might be: African masks, drums, freedom quilts, Japanese origami, Haiku, Ageku, Tonka, Native American patters, pottery, anthologies of artwork, poetry or essays.

Sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Heritage Museum, Oklahoma Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, MetroFamily Magazine, Oklahoma Natural Gas, The Grateful Bean, Christian-Mohamed-Goldberg Associates, Wal-Mart Stores, the Jewish Foundation, ICelebrateDiversity.com, and A Good Egg Dining Group.

Please email completed entry form to rdfrd@cox.net or mail to:
Respect Diversity Foundation
2808 West Lexington Way • Edmond, OK 73003
For more information or questions contact Joan Korenblit at 405-359-0369.