Olympics.

I l.o.v.e. the Olympics and have for as long as I can remember. I love the people, from so many countries, putting aside differences and coming together to share one of the many things they have in common. I love the competition and the sweet taste of accomplishment when someone, who has trained so hard, is victorious. I love it when the underdog comes from behind to rule the day. I love the passion and the friendships, and I love the sense of global community.

One of the things I love most about the US is the fact that our athletes come from so many different walks of life, so many different states, countries and backgrounds. I love that people from such a variety of races, ethnicities and cultures are able to call the United States home. In my book, a very beautiful thing and one of the best parts of this nation.

How lucky we are to have the ability to expose ourselves to so many different cultures on a regular basis. But, do we take advantage of this gift? Do we allow ourselves to explore the unknown? Do we allow ourselves the opportunity to get to know people who are "not like us" or do we simply allow social stereotypes and constructs to help us build or maintain our walls? Walls that close us off to the unknown and to the wonderful possibilities that exist in learning about others. One of the things I like best about the Olympics is that it helps us chip away at these walls. It's never enough, but, I guess a little progress is better than no progress.