Why Reeds are Hollow : A Tale of Equality & Beauty

"In diversity there is beauty and there is strength" - Maya Angelou

In the world of plants, a tale unfolds – a rebellious tale led by the reeds advocating in favor of equality on the basis of height. The wind spread the message far and wide. What happened then? Total chaos. One night, the shorter plants grew dozens of feet. People and animals were frightened and confused. A month passes and a decline sets in due to the unnatural height of most plants. Some die out, some break, some droop to the earth, insects can’t reach the tall blossoms to fertilize them. But the reeds didn’t seem to care. Until one day, nature clapped back. The reeds deteriorated from excess humidity at the roots and drying out entirely from the inside. In reaching upward, they had become hollow.

At the heart of this parable lie two fundamental principles- the pursuit of beauty and the demand for equality. The reeds’ insistence on uniformity stems from the desire to eliminate hierarchy and ensure fairness among all plants. This however was marred by fundamental misunderstanding- blindness to the inherent beauty of diversity. For what makes the world of plants truly magical is their splendid variety- the towering oaks, the delicate roses, the sprawling vines, all swaying as if dancing to their own music.

The story reminds us that not all forms of equality are beneficial or sustainable. The reeds’ insistence on uniform height leads to chaos and disrupting the natural harmony, overlooking the unique needs and characteristics of each plant ultimately causing harm to themselves and others. It challenges us to reevaluate our preconceived notions and recognize the value of differences and complexity. Beauty without originality is nothing but an imitation. Like copying someone else’s painting because it was beautiful.

Is beauty synonymous with uniformity, aligning to rigid standards or ideals as the reeds would have us believe? Or does beauty lie in the vast diversity around us, in the kaleidoscope of forms, shapes and colors that adorn the natural world? In our quest for equality do we risk sacrificing the beauty of diversity? But at the same time, can true equality exist without an appreciation for unique qualities and characteristics that define each of us?

The story of hollow reeds serves as an example that true beauty flourishes in diversity and that true equality embraces the uniqueness of each individual. Trying to force equality without honoring the uniqueness just leaves us with an empty echo, lacking in real beauty and depth. We need to honor and celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity around us - embrace the beauty that lies within our differences.

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