2008 Woodie Awards
Former 'Real World' participant visits UMKC
Nick Kepley
Issue date: 2/13/06 Section: Culture
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The lecture was titled "12 Steps to Appreciating Diversity." Bilal began developing and touring the program to schools across the nation shortly after his appearance on the hit TV show. His message encourages wide cultural exposure and personal responsibility in guarding against racism and ethnic segregation.
Bilal identified Africa as the birthplace of all human races and cultures. He emphasized that human beings are taught from a very young age that diversity is wrong and should be avoided at all costs.
Bilal then laid out his 12-step program:
1. "I am a homogene." Bilal identifies a "homogene" as someone who is uncomfortable with any type of diversity. His first step requires that everyone admit themselves worthy of this label by raising their hands and repeating the phrase "I am a homogene."
2. Know yourself. Bilal suggests journaling, meditation and even researching your family background and creating a family tree in order to discover all your nationalities. "Whites don't always search for their ethnic and cultural heritage with the same energy as minority groups," Bilal said.
3. When you meet someone of a different culture look for commonalities, not differences. Bilal said it is easy to look at someone and see what is different; the challenge is looking beyond their looks to find out what you have in common.
4. When you meet someone of a different culture, learn and teach. Here Bilal related his experience on "The Real World." Through being forced to live with people of varied races and backgrounds, Bilal was able to learn about other cultures and teach others about his own.
5. When you meet someone of a different culture, try not to judge. One of Bilal's more infamous roommates, Puck, was a good example of this rule. Bilal admitted that at first he judged Puck on his appearance but decided to remain neutral and allow him to present himself in whatever manner he chose. Even though Bilal eventually decided he disliked Puck, he learned things about him throughout the process that some of his other housemates weren't privy to because of their judgments and discriminations.
