A Peace of the Puzzle

by Samuel M. Lemon, M.S.
Manager, WHYY Community Education Services

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Last spring, I conducted a PUZZLE PLACE seminar for child care providers at Burlington County Community Action Program, in New Jersey. THE PUZZLE PLACE, one of TV12's most popular children's shows, deals with the issues of cultural diversity, appreciating differences and conflict resolution.

The participants spoke briefly about their ethnic or cultural backgrounds. The results were amazing. About 35 ethnic groups were represented, including mixtures of Scots-Irish, English-Welsh, German-Italian, African-American/Seminole, African-American/Navajo, African-American/Puerto Rican, and many others.

We realized the demographic changes shown in U.S. Census reports mean more than numbers: There is no such thing as simply a "white person" or a "black person," and diversity includes more than just "black and white" issues.

Many of us are descendants of multiple and enriching racial, religious, cultural or ethnic backgrounds. When people come together for some common purpose and learn a little bit about the reality of each others' lives - something magical happens... They stop being "white people" or "black people" or "those people;" and become just people.

THE PUZZLE PLACE inspires children to be proud of their cultural heritage. Equally important, it reminds them to accept those who are different - physically, culturally or racially.

Children's programs on TV12 have demonstrated positive interaction among people of difference races, religions and abilities for over 25 years. That's quite a record! Sewing the seeds of tolerance among children today holds the promise of a crop of responsible citizens tomorrow. Maybe it will even increase the peace in our neighborhoods.

Tune in to TV12, where diverse peoples are not only valued, they're celebrated.

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