The increase of human resources in the United States is
an incredible asset.
There are 215 nations in the world. Each one is
represented in the United States of America Census Bureau. The
growing ethnic demographics that affect the United States illustrate
an area of concern for all leaders-not concern for what it will
do to us, but for how it will benefit us. We should not be afraid,
but excited. The increase of human resources in the United States
is an incredible asset for Freemasonry. As leaders, we have
a responsibility to guide the nation through a rapidly changing
society. We will have to shift our paradigms to accommodate
the influx of many cultures and religions in our great country.
This change is not going to slow anytime soon, but will continue
even more rapidly.
Today in the United States, non-Caucasian children
make up 37% of the United States school-aged population. In
contrast, the total United States population is 30% non-Caucasian.
These figures represent exponential growth of minority ethnicities.
The growth is a result of immigrants from the 215 nations starting
new families. In many cases, this means immigrants are marrying
United States citizens and having children of mixed ethnicity.
Our circles of acceptance are widening, and the boundaries of
ethnic solitude are being broken. The United States Census Bureau
has the challenge of categorizing the "ethnically new"
children. For instance, Tiger Woods refers to his ethnicity
as Cablinasian, which represents his mix of Caucasian, Black,
Indian, and Asian heredity. By 2050, Caucasians will no longer
be the majority in the United States. Education on these issues
will allow Masons to maintain a proactive stance on change and
the celebration of diversity within the United States and our
great Fraternity. Remember, change is going to occur with or
without us.
In the past three decades, the main religions
in the United States were Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish.
Now, the fastest growing religion is the Muslim faith, which
is followed closely by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. In 1997,
there were over 1,000 Muslim mosques in the United States. In
1960, there were none.
The religions of the world share one important
feature. They all aspire toward a spiritual goal, whether it
is the union with a Supreme Being or the realization of a higher
spiritual state. Although there are many faith traditions in
the world, similarities in their moral code are striking, and
believers are inspired to pursue their faith's moral code as
closely as possible. Aside from teaching religious ceremony
and ritual, religions teach people to respect each other and
help those in need. Moral codes have inspired non-profit organizations
such as the Muslim Red Crescent, Christian Red Cross, and nondenominational
Habitat for Humanity. Religions shape every aspect of our daily
life, from laws regarding marriage and divorce to the details
of food preparation. Both nations and individuals describe themselves
in religious terms. Religion provides people with hope for the
future and comforts them in times of anguish.
Let us try to understand individuals based on
their own ideas, qualifications, contributions, and not on stereotypes.
We should value people because of their differences. Our job,
as Masonic and community leaders, is to take advantage of the
fact that everyone is different and to build cohesiveness. Let
us not dwell upon our differences in beliefs; rather, let us
celebrate our diversity. We must be aware of, and respectful
to, the many different cultures in our society. Our friends,
neighbors, and Brothers represent a variety of cultures. It
is our responsibility as leaders and Masons to learn about the
traditions that have shaped and are shaping our nation today.
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David Scott McIlwain
serves on active duty in the U.S. Army and is currently
stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. He was raised a Master
Mason in 1996 at Hattiesburg Lodge No. 397, Hattiesburg,
Mississippi. In the same year, he became a member of the
York Rite Bodies and Shrine Joppa Temple in Biloxi. Then,
in April 1997, he became a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in
the Valley of Hattiesburg. |
