Month: July 2025

Victoria Pasin, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I was born to two bleeding-heart liberal parents. Both, especially my dad, have always described themselves as stereotypically progressive. My dad’s two brothers, that is, my uncles, are the polar opposite. All three brothers maintain a significant interest in Canadian and American politics, and are careful to keep up with all possible news outlets. 

For years, I, as well as my entire family, have grown extremely accustomed to loud arguments, with debates lasting throughout the evening, particularly throughout elections, as well as assorted scandals, and major policy wins and losses. Both of my uncles are proud supporters of generally conservative ideals. Whenever major decisions are made, or a politician gives a major address, or has a major meeting, the phone starts ringing. As long as news is breaking, at least one of the three has an opinion, and another will have a response. However, for all their differences of beliefs, there is never a lack of respect. 

Although a phone call may start with passionate political discourse, it never ends in bitterness. Politics is a conversation starter, rather than a divisor. That is a deliberate choice. In a world in which politics has divided so many families, the three brothers refuse to allow it to divide them. This doesn’t mean that they hold back in their arguments. If anything, it means the opposite. It means that, when they do argue, they refuse to truly demean each other’s characters. They may banter for hours on end, but they all know that they will never stop having each other’s backs in times of crisis. 

Last August, my paternal grandmother, their mother, suffered a stroke due to a complication after a major surgery. Although this event was undoubtedly tragic, it has been beautiful to watch my dad and his siblings quickly coordinate to ensure that she is rarely alone after finally leaving the hospital. Whether it is one of them, or my cousins and I, she is taken care of. In the midst of this catastrophe, it is never a hardship for them to collaborate in order to create a schedule for basic things, such as installing safety equipment and meal planning for my grandmother. This support also extends to times of great celebration, such as when one of my uncles recently found out that he was becoming a grandfather in a few short months. My dad was his first call to announce the news. 

Can a person’s political allegiance compromise their moral character? It certainly can. However, there is a difference between a person with a compromised character and a person with a differing political opinion. My uncles are pillars of their community. Both are extremely close to their family. One in particular volunteers often with youth sports, and holds a minor position in his municipal government. They are respectful and kind at family functions. Why should politics be a source of disharmony within our familial community? 

With as much division in the world as there is, I’ve always believed that this mutual respect is the foundation of any attempt at peace on this earth. It is a universal truth that it is impossible for any group of people to agree completely on virtually anything. Through their boisterous banter, my family has taught me that attacking someone’s character, rather than their logic, is a sure way to get oneself nowhere. 

I have heard countless people, be they friends, family, or teachers, despair due to a lack of unity amongst the global community. I feel that something is always left out of the discussion, on the topic of world peace and global cooperation. Unity is a choice. It is a choice that begins with each and every one of us when we choose to show or deny kindness to a stranger, or to a family member. 

We do not choose our family. Rather, we are stuck with one particular couple of parents, and if we’re lucky, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, by accident of birth. Whether we like it or not, these people gradually shape our worldview. Whether we like it or not, it is impossible to achieve peace on a grander scale if it is not achieved at the smallest scale of individuals going about their lives. 

My thesis is simple. The beginning of any sort of unity and peace in the world begins with each person choosing kindness with those that they are closest to. It is easy to be kind to those we agree with. It is often most difficult to show that same kindness to a person with a different worldview. Therefore, I issue the challenge to be kind and pursue a relationship with someone who possesses an opposing worldview. Embrace discomfort. It certainly will widen one’s horizons. 

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Ona Eze (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Unity can feel like a big word. A heavy word. But the more I think about it, the more I realize—it’s not about all of us being the same. It’s about learning how to move together, live together and hold space for one another, even when we come from very different places.

For me, unity looks like what happens when cultures come together—not to compete or dominate, but to blend. To listen. To learn. To share. When we open ourselves up to that, we’re creating something powerful. Not perfect, but meaningful.

Culture Isn’t Just What We See—It’s What We Carry

Culture is more than clothes or cuisine or music—though those are beautiful parts of it. Culture is in how we greet our elders, how we mourn, how we celebrate, how we gather around a meal or honour a promise. It’s how we were raised, what we believe and what feels like home.

And yet, even with all our differences, there’s a common thread—we’re all looking for belonging. We all want to be seen and accepted. And that’s where the blending begins. When we make room for each other’s customs, languages, ways of thinking, we don’t lose ourselves—we expand. We grow.

I’ve had moments where I’ve been invited into someone’s cultural experience, whether it was through food, prayer, dance or simply conversation. And I’ve seen what happens when people lean in with curiosity, not judgment. Something shifts. A wall comes down. A connection is formed.

Unity Isn’t Passive—It’s Intentional

Blending cultures isn’t always easy. It takes effort. It takes listening more than we speak. It takes unlearning. Sometimes it even takes a little discomfort—being okay with not knowing the “right” thing to say or do, but still showing up with respect.

Unity is not about pretending differences don’t exist. It’s about saying, I see you. I might not fully understand, but I want to. It’s asking questions and being open to the answers. It’s realizing that what’s unfamiliar isn’t threatening—it’s just new. And it might even become something beautiful in our lives if we allow it.

The Real-Life Moments That Stay with You

I remember being at an event where people from so many different backgrounds brought dishes from their cultures. A woman shared a story about how her grandmother taught her to make a certain dish during the war, and someone else from a totally different country said, “My grandmother said the same thing.” Different continents. Same warmth.

That’s the kind of unity I believe in—one that doesn’t erase difference, but sees the humanity in it. Because at the end of the day, we all have stories. We all come from somewhere. And when we share those stories—whether through food, art, language or presence—we’re weaving something stronger.

Don’t Mistake Unity for Conformity

Sometimes people think blending cultures means giving up who you are to “fit in.” That’s not unity—that’s shrinking. That’s erasure. Real unity means you bring your whole self, I bring mine and we find ways to honour both.

It also means being honest about the systems that make some voices louder and others quieter. Unity means making room. It means stepping back when needed and making sure everyone feels safe, seen and heard.

A Blend, Not a Blur

To me, blending cultures is like mixing colours. When done with care, the new shades created aren’t muddy—they’re rich. Deep. Unexpected in the best way. Unity isn’t about blurring everything into one grey space. It’s about bold colours standing side by side, learning how to complement and respect each other.

We are stronger together. Not because we’re the same, but because we’ve chosen to walk together in the middle of our differences.

And that? That’s what unity feels like to me. A shared table. A conversation. A willingness to learn, to try and to show up. Again and again.

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Onachukwu (Ona) Eze is a purpose-driven professional with a global mindset and a passion for people. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she grew up in a creative and professional household that sparked her love for storytelling, learning and meaningful work. Whether she’s leading inclusive hiring strategies or building systems that support people and performance, Ona brings heart, clarity and results. Outside of work, she thrives on cultural exploration, community connection and uncovering what makes organizations and people grow.

 

Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Technological progress, international conflicts and social upheavals in today’s world have made it more important than ever for humanity to unite. Within the immense diversity of cultures, faiths and beliefs, there remains a universal longing for connection, understanding and a sense of purpose among all human beings. To foster a more compassionate and resilient global community, it is crucial to build unity among people worldwide. In this article, we examine practical approaches and philosophical insights that can help us bridge rifts and foster genuine solidarity.

Embracing our Shared Humanity

Everyone needs safety, love and a sense of belonging, no matter where they come from or what they believe. The recognition of these universal necessities cultivates empathy and reduces bias.

Education plays a crucial role in fostering this awareness. Early exposure to world history, cultural diversity and human rights can foster understanding and compassion. Intercultural interaction and dialogue programs allow individuals to experience different perspectives firsthand, eliminating stereotypes. 

Communicate in a Clear, Respectful Manner

Ineffective communication often results in conflicts and misunderstandings. Promoting open, honest and respectful conversations can help bring people together. Developing these skills requires active listening, empathizing with others without rushing to judgment, and expressing oneself with kindness and sincerity. 

The digital age has provided us with unprecedented opportunities to connect across borders through social media. However, if misused, it can also deepen divisions. Diverse voices can be appreciated and heard in virtual communities that promote digital literacy and encourage respectful online exchanges. 

Bringing conflicting groups together through community forums and intercultural dialogue initiatives is one of the most effective means of building bridges. Finding common ground is easier when individuals feel genuinely understood.

A Shared Vision and Set of Principles

The pursuits of happiness and justice are shared objectives among all of humanity. Unifying these ideals can create a sense of belonging. 

The global issues of climate change, health crises, poverty and conflict require collective responses. The recognition of our mutual dependencies and shared responsibilities can motivate us to act cooperatively. Organizations like the United Nations show how we can collaborate on common goals, offering a model for local and individual efforts.

Promoting local projects that address immediate needs while contributing to broader global goals can foster a sense of shared purpose within a community. We can reinforce the idea of unity by celebrating stories of collaboration and solidarity.

Appreciating and Exchanging Cultures

Festivals, artistic collaborations and student exchanges facilitate cross-cultural interactions, which enable people to appreciate and understand different traditions. By engaging with other cultures through music, cuisine, art or language, people develop respect and curiosity, instead of suspicion. 

Diversity and acceptance can be built by supporting events and platforms that highlight diverse voices. Culture-specific media can foster empathy and understanding by presenting cultures accurately and positively.

Cultural differences can also be used to strengthen, rather than divide societies if societal perspectives are shifted toward embracing diversity. Society becomes more innovative and adaptable when it embraces diversity.

Incorporating Equity and Inclusion into Institutions

Institutions like governments, schools and workplaces shape our attitudes and behaviors as a society. By promoting equality, justice and participation within them, all voices are heard. 

By addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring equal opportunities, social divides can be reduced in diversity-driven organizations and collaborative environments.

An education system that encourages critical thinking and multicultural awareness prepares individuals to thrive in a diverse world. By embracing principles of fairness and inclusion, institutions contribute to societal cohesion.

Promoting Compassion and Growth

Every individual is the key to unity. Empathy, humility and openness are qualities that contribute significantly to social harmony.

Being compassionate by being understanding and empathetic can lead to the transformation of relationships and communities. Kindness, volunteering and engagement with diverse groups foster a sense of responsibility.

The role of leadership is also crucial. Leaders who show integrity, humility and commitment to the common good inspire others to follow suit. Personal accountability and kindness ripple outward, inspiring societal improvement.

Utilizing Technology and Education

The advancement of education and digital technology creates unprecedented opportunities for connecting people across borders. The use of online learning platforms enables knowledge to be accessed globally, promoting the understanding of cultures across the globe.

Virtual collaboration tools allow diverse individuals to work with humanization of global issues and an emphasis on cooperation are emphasized in these narratives work toward common goals, allowing trust to be built and collective efforts to be demonstrated. Social media campaigns, podcasts and documentaries can inspire hope and motivate action. 

Resolving Obstacles to Unity

Despite these strategies, prejudice, economic inequality, political unrest and misinformation continue to make it difficult for people to work together. The solution to these challenges requires persistent effort and a systemic approach.

By promoting economic fairness, disparities that often fuel resentment can be reduced. Through media literacy and responsible journalism, people can distinguish truth from falsehood and combat misinformation.

Reconciliation and dialogue initiatives are essential for resolving conflicts rooted in history. The foundation of a cohesive society lies in building trust and encouraging forgiveness.

Shared Visions and Hope

The cultivation of hope is also vital. There have been numerous crises in the past, and humanity has shown resilience and ingenuity. Individuals and communities can work together to achieve a more compassionate, just and sustainable world by sharing a common vision.

Human rights, environmental stewardship and social justice movements drive global movements toward unity. To make positive changes, people must believe in their own potential.

Humanity is brought together through continuous efforts on a personal, community and institutional level. The journey begins with recognizing our shared humanity, fostering effective dialogue, celebrating cultural diversity, and aligning around common values and objectives. Forging connections can be accomplished through empathy, inclusive policies, technology and confronting obstacles.

The road to unity is paved with understanding, kindness and a shared purpose. The collective human spirit and our innate capacity for connection provide hope in the face of ongoing challenges. By working together, we can build a world where everyone feels valued and connected rooted in respect, cooperation and love.

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.