Aguilar 1

Brianna Aguilar
English 115
John Kubler
9 September 2014
Peace in a Diverse World
Mr. Lennon, as you already know your song, Imagine, was quite popular when you
wrote it and has only become more popular as the years have gone by. The reason for that is
probably its relevancy and meaning that many people can relate to, and will continue to relate to for
many decades to come. Now, while I do enjoy songs with a positive message and understand your
views I dont believe the world you speak of as peaceful would be exactly that. Although it is true
that much of what you sing about in Imagine can possibly be the root of all the harmful doing in
our world, it could also be part of something great.
In your song you suggest that the world would be better, if not perfect, without religious
or cultural differences, and while many people agree with you I think that message is somewhat
unrealistic. After all it is often commitment to faith that keeps many people going through extremely
difficult times and also teaches people that forgiveness is peace. Instead of blaming systems that
humans themselves have setup we need to individually evaluate our personal morals rather than
blaming others for theirs. This to me seems like a more peaceful approach compared to telling the
entire human race to drop everything we believe in so the world can be as one. Often it is this
(asking people to give up their beliefs) that causes hate or resentment towards different cultures. I
dont think there is a better way, but there is a right way and telling people what they should do is
not it.

Aguilar 2
While I agree that the people of this world coming together as one would be a beautiful
thing, I just dont think we all have to be the same in order to achieve that. What we do need is
respect, understanding, patience, and willingness to forgive one another. Former secretary of state
and former U.N. ambassador, Madeleine Albright states it in a way that actually makes it sound like
the world is already one without changing our beliefs. Albright states, In parts of Asia and Africa,
Christians and Muslims are fighting, but they share a desire to worship freely and without fear.
When people are pursuing the same goal, each side should be able to understand what motivates the
other (40). I like the point Albright makes with this quote because it shows that we as people are
not so different after all. So why not use our shared values to create peace rather than violence?
The reason that everyone refuses to put their pride aside and accept one another as is
could probably be because of the belief that we can only have one. One religion, one culture, one
superior country, but we dont aim for equality. Simply changing our attitude and opening up to one
another could really help to unite one another, not as a religion or as a country, but as humans that
seek peace. I am not writing to say you are completely wrong in believing that eliminating what
makes us all different will bring peace, but I am writing to say that it is not that simple. If it was that
simple there would be so many tragedies that could have been prevented, but we cant tell everyone
how to think, act, or feel. We can however take the first steps in accepting that we are all indeed very
different, we just need to remember that our differences to make us any better or worse than the next
person.