There are those who claim that reminding us of our differences is what divides us as a nation. There are even those who would go so far as to call it racist because you’re exalting one ethnicity above another.

These arguments are ridiculous. Celebrating our differences doesn’t divide us—it encourages people of all walks of life to not only remember their own heritage, but to appreciate others.

By participating in these celebrations we are given a deeper understanding of cultures and become better informed about the differences that make up our society.

Dedicating days, weeks and months specifically to one race is one of the greatest tools we can use to better understand and unite people of various backgrounds.

When we celebrate an ethnicity we invite others to partake in the history and culture of that ethnicity. This brings a better understanding of that ethnicity’s history and ultimately a greater appreciation for that ethnicity.

The celebrations promote our differences, no one’s denying that, but simply walking outside your door and seeing someone with different clothes and a different skin color is a reminder.

If anything, it’s ignoring our many differences that promotes segregation because segregation and racism are grounded in ignorance.

We should use these celebrations to inform people about the different ethnicities and dispel the stereotypical views of many ethnic groups that have been discriminated against for decades.

To deny the beauty and necessity of these celebrations is to deny the existence of the many differences that separate us today. It would require us to forfeit our culture and our heritage, and partake in a bland, colorless and ignorant society.

These celebrations are reminders of the contributions made to our society and our world by the different ethnic groups. They’re meant to teach tolerance and a moral responsibility to respect and value the cultures that have helped to shape our world.

These celebrations are a wonderful way to empower minorities and educate those who’ve been spotlighted throughout history. If anything, it’s racist to not want these ethnicities recognized.

Celebrating ethnic contributions and cultures promotes equality and harmony. Months and days dedicated to different ethnic groups is a reminder that is necessary and beneficial to our society. It brings understanding, empowerment and unification.

Cultural appreciation days, weeks and months shouldn’t just be a one-time event, but rather a year round celebration of the various cultures that would otherwise remain exclusive to an individual and his or her ethnic background.