In not Allowing Diversity, We Play to Socialism

   "California town proposes ban on Pride, Black and women's history celebrations," says a headline.
If I'm reading them right, this is their logic: We are all Americans. We are not Blacks and Jews and Mexicans, but Americans. Separating us out only leads to division; If you allow Pride, Black, and women's celebrations, it will will be divisive. We are not Jews, and Blacks, and Mexicans; we are Americans. There is no room for individuality; you are only part of the whole. 
   My view is different. I would suggest when you celebrate the part, you celebrate the whole. The individual parts impart flavor and richness and make the whole more of a treasure.
   I think of a dance troupe, and how the group stops dancing to watch just a single dancer step forward and perform. Or, of a choir, which allows one of its members to sing a solo part. 
   What are we seeking? A homogenized society? I cannot help but notice the likeness to a socialistic society, where it is suggested the individual must not have his or her own possessions, but everything must be had in common. The individual must serve for the greater good of the whole. He or she must give up personal rights for the benefit of the greater society. 
   In opposing celebrations of women's rights, and African-American rights, are we suggesting women and African-Americans have no right to tell their stories? We would deny them those rights? This is an error, for the rights of humankind include the right to speak of the wrongs that have been committed.
   Or, are we just saying that to point out how they have been discriminated against only creates animosity? Is that what we are suggesting is divisive? Are we saying it only makes White males look bad, and that will only stir up divisions and hatred? Not allowing someone to recount their history is a form of discrimination, in and of itself. If history books can speak of how England violated the rights of the colonists, they can also speak of how the rights of the American Natives were violated.
   What is meant only to be inclusive, need not be seen as divisive. We would but to celebrate the different members of our society -- welcome them and let them tell their stories -- but there are those that reply that those stories are not welcome here.
   "Here" being America, they should be.