Do we really think diversity is important?
When we read this question, most of us will answer “Yes, of course”. But do we really? Is it really something at the forefront of our minds?
In this article I just want to raise a few thoughts about it and let you ponder. Share your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s begin with the idea of biological diversity: biodiversity. There is no denying that more biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient, more productive and a lot healthier.
But what do we experience of biodiversity? A lot of us will think that the greenery around us is natural, wild. Some people talk of nature when referring to human-managed environments. For instance, in the UK where I live, there is basically not one square centimetre of land that hasn’t been interfered with by humans: transformed, impoverished, damaged, destroyed. Hopefully the trend might be changing.
The point I want to make here is that most of us do not experience real, healthy biodiversity. We have become used to a biologically impoverished world and we think it is kind of ok.
Now, can we extend this to human diversity? Again, let’s face it: a lot of us are not exposed regularly to a lot of diversity. Most people we interact with are likely to be pretty similar to us, similar background, similar culture. A lot of our interactions with diverse people may not be by choice but the results of the situation we are in.
Again, is it that we do not think of diversity as an integral part of our life? Something we know is out there but that we do not fully embrace and integrate?
If we really want to do something about diversity, inclusion, living together, not just within the human species but with all other living beings, we need to keep this concept of diversity and its importance at the forefront of how we think about the world.
Let me know your thoughts.
