Introduction: Shaping America’s Future Together
Ten years from now, you will not find a place where you don’t see people of different faiths, races, cultures, and ethnicities interacting, working, studying, intermingling, playing, and even marrying each other. These new interactions are bound to create conflicts and pit one group of Americans against the other, and even biases may creep into one’s heart.
As responsible citizens, we have to prepare ourselves to prevent such conflicts so that each American can live securely with his or her faith, culture, gender, race, sexual, or political orientation, or ethnicity. New societal norms are emerging, and we have to deal with them.
America’s Legacy of Leadership
We have led the world in every aspect of human progress—from economics to medicine, automation to information technology—and set the world on the course of self-rule, which is the government of people by the people for the people.
Now we have to apply our ingenuity to building cohesive societies, societies where no human being has to live in apprehension and fear of the other.
The Role of the Center for Pluralism
At the Center for Pluralism, we are dedicated to building a cohesive America—an America where each one of us feels secure about our ethnicity, faith, culture, race, and other uniqueness. To accomplish that vision, we have several programs, events, and workshops to bring about the results.
Choosing to Shape America’s Future
As Americans, we have a choice to reluctantly accept what comes our way, or choose to shape the future we want.
WE ARE GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
We truly are God’s own country, reflected in our diverse geography, climate, races, religions, cultures, languages, ethnicities, and various aspects of life—from the city on a hill to the shores of the ocean.
Without a doubt, we are a microcosm of the planet, blessed with open minds, hearts, and souls. Let’s prioritize maintaining our social cohesion so that we can all live securely without fear of losing our way of life.
Mike Ghouse
Indeed, we plan our lives about our incomes, families, homes, retirement, and the future of our kids and grandchildren. We also prepare our businesses to deal with the economic vagaries to sustain and grow.
Sources of Conflict in America
One of the significant sources of conflict comes from our interactions with fellow countrymen—in our case, Americans. It is how we deal with each other and treat the otherness of others that determines the future where we all can live a secure life with the least tensions.
The Impact of COVID-19 on American Society
Corona got dumped on us, and our culture of shaking hands, sitting next to each other in meetings, and how we talk and eat has all changed. We have become more hygiene conscious, and that is good, reluctantly we are welcoming it.
Our scientists and doctors will find a cure to Corona, as they have discovered remedies for Plague, TB, Malaria, Polio, SARS, Ebola, Swine Flu, Chicken Flu, and other viruses.
Blame, Fear, and Division
When we face difficulties, we resort to blaming someone or the other and take our frustrations on each other. This aggravates the situation further instead of finding solutions.
We can do better than that—we are Americans, free and brave people.
Addressing Prejudice and Phobias
We have witnessed the attitudes of some of our fellow Americans who have been here for more than two generations towards new Americans.
It is not always phobia, but a natural feeling of fear of losing one’s way of life and resources. However, racial conflicts and supremacist feelings among a few are products of non-acceptance of the other.
Some of us are inflicted with the diseases of Anti-Semitism, Homophobia, Misogyny, Islamophobia, Hinduphobia, Xenophobia, and other phobias. How long will we let these diseases consume us? We need to extricate ourselves and be free people again.
Breaking Free from Stereotypes
A vast majority of us have heard things about others from our friends, news, social media, or personal experiences, and we instantly form opinions.
As responsible individuals, we must strive to strip away stereotyping and build pathways to ensure the smooth functioning of our society—whether it is in the workplace or in our neighborhoods.
The Impact of Bias on Children
We often poison our kids with our prejudices. They absorb biases towards women, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Blacks, Whites, Conservatives, Atheists, or Liberals.
It must be painful for our children when they grow up and have to work with people they were taught to view as lesser. This mistrust leads to workplace tensions, lower productivity, and even broken homes.
It has to change.
Reassurance and the American Way of Life
We need to reassure each other—especially the disconnected ones—that together as Americans, we are committed to safeguarding the American way of life.
No American needs to worry about losing his or her identity. Together, we uphold, protect, defend, and celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution.
The concern that immigrants may change society and become the majority is a legitimate issue that needs to be addressed.
To ensure our way of life, we all need to understand and follow our constitution. If we stick to it, we are automatically guaranteed to live the way each of us wants to live with freedom.
Respecting the Otherness of Others
If we can learn to respect the otherness of others and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.
Knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding leads to acceptance.
Impact of Interfaith and Intercultural Marriages: Building One America
The interfaith, interracial, and intercultural weddings are superb examples of creating one America.
Such unions are patriotic acts of harmony—two people of different faiths and races accepting each other and setting an example for society.
Over the past 16 years, approximately 50,000 Americans have attended more than 550 weddings, representing 11 different faiths, 80 ethnicities, and a diverse range of races. After the ceremonies, attendees appreciated the mini-workshops on pluralism that were offered before the groom took the stage. Many expressed the value they gained from being free of bias. Ultimately, we are all naturally inclined to be good human beings.
Programs that Shape America’s Future
At the Center for Pluralism, we run flagship programs such as:
- Unity Day
- Holocaust & Genocides Awareness
- Thanksgiving and Festivals of Faith
- Essence of Religions
Through these events, Americans walk out with fewer biases and more respect for others.
60,000 Americans participated in the above programs in the last 29 years and walked out respecting the otherness of the others and accepting them as fellow Americans.
The Ongoing Mission of the Center for Pluralism
The Center for Pluralism will continue to bring non-stop actions to unite Americans from different faiths, political affiliations, and cultures, serving as a catalyst for a safe and secure America.
The Power of Individual Commitment
Nothing will change unless someone takes the initiative and makes a commitment.
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Join Us in Shaping America’s Future
At the Center for Pluralism, we are committed to building a cohesive America—an America where each one of us feels secure about our ethnicity, faith, culture, race, political and sexual orientation, and other uniqueness.
If your vision for America reflects these ideals, we invite you to:
- Join us as a donor
- Volunteer
- Write with us
- Serve on our advisory board
👉 Donate Here to the Center for Pluralism
FAQs About Shaping America’s Future
1. What does “Shaping America’s Future” mean?
It refers to the collective responsibility of Americans to build an inclusive, respectful, and secure society where every individual—regardless of race, faith, culture, or orientation—feels safe and valued.
2. Why is diversity important for America’s future?
Diversity strengthens America by fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. It allows us to grow stronger as a nation and sets a global example of unity in differences.
3. How does the Center for Pluralism contribute to shaping America’s future?
The Center organizes programs, workshops, and interfaith events that bring people together, reduce prejudice, and promote acceptance across communities.
4. What are some challenges America faces in shaping its future?
Some major challenges include racial prejudice, stereotypes, xenophobia, and the fear of losing one’s identity or way of life. Overcoming these issues requires empathy and pluralism.
5. How can individuals contribute to shaping America’s future?
By practicing respect, rejecting stereotypes, engaging in community dialogue, and supporting organizations that promote inclusivity, every American can play a role.
6. Why are interfaith and intercultural marriages considered important?
They symbolize unity and acceptance, showing that love and mutual respect can overcome cultural, racial, and religious differences—helping build “One America.”
7. How can I support the Center for Pluralism?
You can support through donations, volunteering, writing, or serving on the advisory board. Every form of participation strengthens the mission of unity.
Conclusion: Building a United Future
Shaping America’s Future is in our hands. By respecting diversity, fighting prejudice, and embracing pluralism, we can create an America where every individual feels secure, valued, and free.
Together, let’s build the future we want.
For reflections
Don’t poison your children
https://centerforpluralism.com/poisoning-your-kids/
Mini Pluralism Workshops
https://interfaithmarriages.org/mini-pluralism-workshop-what-is-my-loss-the-power-of-respect-and-harmony/
Mr. Pluralist of America Panorama https://www.theindianpanorama.news/profile/dr-mike-mohamed-ghouse-mr-pluralist-of-america/
Background of Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse
https://interfaithmarriages.org/muslim-background-of-dr-mike-mohamed-ghouse/
Dr. Ghouse is the President and founder of the Center for Pluralism and director of the World Muslim Congress. He is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and a Muslim Wedding Officiant. He is a Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and social scientist. More on Google