Recognizing the differences; realizing the similarities

Perhaps one of the most unique traits about Lawrence High School is the diversity within the student body. Students come from a myriad of different backgrounds, allowing for an open and accepting atmosphere.

However, with racial tensions coming up again and again as a topic of discussion, due partly to the upcoming presidential elections, it was obvious that these issues needed to be addressed. From April 4-8, Lawrence High celebrated its annual Multicultural Week.

Multicultural Week provides an opportunity for students to learn about the different cultures of their peers, which they may not learn about otherwise. The main showcase in the high school lobby played various international music videos throughout each day, ranging from Venezuelan pop to Bollywood movie scores and everything in between. Wednesday featured both a cultural tolerance assembly and the National Honor Society’s annual Culturefest.

At the assembly the untrue stereotypes that exist for many of the races represented at Lawrence were discussed. Presentations by some of the school’s culture clubs, such as the African-American Club, aimed to dispel myths and prejudices about the cultures they are so proud of.

The assembly was a positive step towards increased tolerance in Lawrence hallways. Culturefest was a more lighthearted celebrations of Lawrence’s diversity, allowing students to cometogether and show off their cultural pride.

Students brought food dishes and performed songs originating from their home countries, and the culture clubs had booths to promote their groups. Students got a chance to eat, dance and have fun together, while stepping into the shoes of their peers.

Although multicultural week only happens once a year, it is held in the hopes that the celebrations of different cultures will teach all students to realize that although our differences are beautiful, deep down, we’re not so different after all.