My dear readers, I often write pieces on group associations and living in a diverse world. I try to point out both the positive aspects of groups and their limitations, in the context of the world at large.

While I too enjoy camaraderie with various groups with which I might share some commonalities, I am mindful not to believe that life is all about “my group vs. your group,” or that everyone in “my group or groups” will necessarily hold all the ideals and positive characteristics that will make the world a better place.

My writings are not intended to demoralize or ridicule anyone or to pull the rug out from under them. I know that it is often comforting for many to see life as black and white and to think that one’s own group – whether based on religion, race, tribe, ethnicity, or nationality – will be the one that holds all the virtues needed to make the world a better place.

Many of you know by now that I do not subscribe to such a notion, for I believe that there is good and bad in all groups, in every geographical area of the world, and every stratum of society.

My writings are not meant to debunk the myths that exist just to leave readers hanging in despondency. They are meant to offer a better alternative – one that sees the beauty of sharing common characteristics with others in one’s group without denying that evil as well as good exists everywhere.

It is my deepest yearning that once this becomes accepted, some readers will then see life in a better and more truthful way…and end up working collectively with all others to make the largest group to which we all belong a better one for us all.

That group is the group called the human race.