Diversity

Diversity has been a term that has almost become religious among some. The word itself according to Merriam-Webster means…

: the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc.

: the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization.

I was asked if I believed in diversity. That was a hard question to answer without more information on the diversity involved. For instance, I have friends that are a diverse group. Some are from Liberia, Uganda, Norway, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the U.S. and others. My friends are old, young, black, white, educated, uneducated, blue collar, white collar and more. That is a kind of diversity.

But consider this. Do we consider diversity of ideas as good diversity? Sometimes. But to take it to an extreme that could be disastrous. Do we really believe that the Nazi-ism of Adolph Hitler and the selfless service of Mother Teresa are equally good? They certainly model diversity.

Diversity is a word to be considered in context. I am richer because of diversity. But accepting all differences as equal in value can be problematic.

“Diversity” must be considered in context. Just saying “I believe in diversity.” means nothing without a specific context.

SOME OTHER EXAMPLES OF DIVERSITY

They have a commonality, I care for them.