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A stereotype is often the first impression we have of a person or a particular group of people. Even if we do not necessarily intend to, we sometimes have fixed ideas in our heads about who people are, and we are usually influenced by how society sees them.
But why not stop and think for a second before making our generic judgment? Why not give people a chance to bypass our first initial impression? Why not give ourselves a chance to think more clearly?
This and many other issues would be resolved through the simple notion of dialogue. Every single day, we go through tens of interactions with people who are different than us. Our actions are a reflection of who we are; thus, we are always representing our backgrounds and cultures in one way or another. Therefore, we should always rise above categorizing people from the first moment we see them.
There is currently great importance being placed on increased dialogue and cultural exchange. Here in the Kingdom, we have seen increased efforts for dialogue through many national and international centers. Through social media, young people have been taking the lead by creating initiatives that show the world ��������’s commitment to having an open and diverse dialogue, where many people can talk and share ideas to create a more understanding, open-minded and welcoming society.
There is a philosophy based on the Zulu word “ubuntu,” which relates to humanity and is often translated as “I am because we are.” It is about how people can live with kindness and understanding, but it is also defined as “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”
I am who I am because of who we all are — this is a great concept that shows the true color of the meaning of being one. In a time of uncertainty, we should all try to do more, and do better. We need to be working to listen to each other to understand, rather than listen to simply reply.
During my high school exchange year in the US about five years ago, I faced a few incidents that led people to discriminate against me because of who I was, what I wore on my head, and where I came from. But I remember thinking to myself that people simply do not know enough about my background and culture, and maybe that is why they were sometimes thinking of me in a way that did not define me.
I faced discrimination because of stereotypes, and the only possible way to overcome it was through dialogue. Often I would sit with my peers in school during our break times and we would simply talk. Beyond everything happening in the world that made them misjudge me, we managed to come together as people who respected one another.
There is a great need in society to increase efforts toward mutual respect and understanding through the promotion of dialogue. We can find so much beauty in our differences once we value them.
There are a few examples of initiatives underway in �������� to increase dialogue between people, including the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue, which has been working to engage people from all sectors of society, and the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, which has also been working internationally to promote acceptance and peace. There are also two promising youth-led Saudi nonprofit initiatives that are expanding the role of young people in dialogue: The KSA in All Languages, which translates Saudi news into 10 different languages, and Saudis for Peace, which promotes the diversity and coexistence of different religions around the world.
Learning to value differences and embrace them starts with a simple step of changing a stereotypical misconception — this is exactly what these centers and initiatives are trying to achieve. Our history shows us examples of coexistence, while our present offers us so many resources to participate in making a difference and better informing ourselves. Our future relies on all of us to welcome it united as a people who share the simple bond of humanity: “I am because we are.”
Increased dialogue does not just mean better understanding; it also means stronger empowerment for societies because we are better once we unite by valuing our cultural differences and coming together as one.

Razan Farhan Alaqil is a student of political science, international comparative politics and global studies. She is a Saudi youth representative at the UN.