Paul & Rabbi Baruch Bush who trained him in conflict resolution at Hofstra Law.
It never ceases to amaze Paul F. Davis how people can live in America, the melting pot of world diversity, and yet still be racist and prejudice toward one another. Paul says: "Stereotypes are never accurate as people are uniquely individual and capable of breaking barriers, transcending limitations, and surprising skeptics."
Paul grew up in a family that during the holidays had the odd person who would make the racist remark as if to stereotype and belittle a certain race or ethnic group. Yet when Paul got a passport and began traveling the world, touching over 50 countries & 6 continents, he began to realize people's stereotypes and racist remarks were usually untrue.
In fact some of the people Paul most enjoys associating and interacting with are of the same ethnic groups a particular uncle and a couple cousins of his criticized and belittled. Thankfully Paul learned early on to evaluate people by the content of their character, achievements, and potential rather than their color, past, or present struggles.
Paul points out: "We all as individuals have our ups and downs; difficulties and challenges; good days and bad days. Nobody is exempt from their own humanity. Therefore to discard and throw away an entire race, class of people, or ethnic group just because they are different or one isolated incident (which simultaneously happens among each ethnic group and race across the board) is both unkind and inhumane."
Paul particularly enjoyed traveling throughout "the bush" of war-torn east Africa, where he slept in a tent for 3 months journeying through many villages where people had never before seen a white man. Talk about reverse culture shock and awaking to what it feels like to be a minority! Yet it was a great and very enlightening experience for Paul.
Ironically the white African coordinator who set the trip up for Paul was a bit racist himself though he lived in a continent that was predominately black. Nevertheless once Paul was deep in "the bush" (and away from his racist program coordinator)
Amazingly to this day Paul can still remember a few words in Che-chewah (the language of Malawi) and a distinct song in Portuguese (the language of Mozambique).
Paul says, "The people were precious, generous, and very hospitable."
Suddenly Paul was surrounded by villagers looking at him feverishly saying, "Mzungu! Mzungu!" Paul felt like an animal on exhibit at the zoo as the villagers all stared at him with amazement, perplexity, and astonishment.
Within no time Paul had over 100 villagers surrounding him in a crowd watching his every move, fully captivated by the sight of him. Paul therefore seized the opportunity to make friends and influence people. Paul grabbed his translator, gave them a good word of hope to uplift their spirits, expressed his love for them, and excused himself as Paul's group had to leave and journey further toward their intended destination.
Crossing cultural barriers and adventurously entering the unknown became commonplace for Paul and something he particularly enjoys. Hence it is quite natural for Paul to go overseas and interact with people with whom he is unfamiliar. Paul excitedly says: "I love and live for such joyous cross-cultural experiences!"
"I always learn something, make new friends, and experience moments never to be forgotten!" says Paul.
Paul captivates students, transcends their limitations, & brings transformation!
Among the most popular topics Paul is asked to speak on are:
- Diversity Celebration, Ethnic Understanding, & Education Without Borders
- Dating & Relationships / Love & Sexuality / Overcoming Disappointment
- Career Development, Entrepreneurship, & Riding The Waves of Change
- Nutrition & Health / Substance Abuse Prevention & Liberation from Addiction
- Peacemaking & Non-Violence / Democracy & Foreign Policy / Author Tours & Debates
Paul is the author of 12 books, 2 have been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
www.PaulFDavis.com
RevivingNations@
Paul's compassion for people has taken him to over 50 countries & 6 continents empowering people to live their dreams!
Paul worked at Ground Zero in NYC during 9/11; helped rebuild a home at the tsunami epicenter; comforted victims of genocide in Rwanda; comforted leaders in East Timor during the war; inspired students in Myanmar; spoke throughout India, China, Pakistan, & parts of Africa where they've never seen a white man.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
