The Diversity Of Diversity
Diversity is something varied, the abundance of things and even people with different origins or characteristics
The term diversity comes from the Latin diversitas, referring to something varied, the abundance of things and even people with different origins or characteristics. This reality seems reasonable and rational to many people much of the time…until it doesn’t for a variety of other “reasons.” Which is to say, diversity ceases to be a positive value but is deemed negative to varying degrees for reasons less intellectual, far more emotional. It is not an exercise in pragmatism — although some will believe it is.
If there’s anything I’ve learned over many years, it’s how easily complicated topics are reduced to levels of fabricated simplification by those seeking justification for their anger and hatred toward others. This is demonstrated in all societies to varying degrees by those who believe they have been pushed aside by others who are little or nothing like themselves. Which is to say, those who rightfully should represent the origins and values of their society have been replaced by others. Invariably, “diversity” is held responsible for this.
To a rational observer, there are two seemingly obvious flaws in this assumption. One is that those who are “different” actually seem to have values common to modern societies. The other is that those who are supposedly different do not exhibit any of the privileges supposedly taken from those who came “first.” It has been demonstrated over and over that the most diverse places — cities — are also the most successful in any society. From education to wealth to opportunity to the arts of all kinds, diversity is the driving force…and everyone benefits. Many who dislike diversity also dislike cities.
The good news is that large percentages of citizens want diversity and an end to hatred. The bad news is that those who are most “conservative” — and want to turn back the clock a century or two, simply refuse to acknowledge that history cannot be unwound. Worse, their deep anger has become intertwined with the proliferation of firearms. Violence and death become a constant reminder that societies can undermine their destinies when the “right to own arms” becomes intertwined with hatred and intolerance. Democracy itself becomes endangered.
Every society — even those with greater than average acceptance of diversity — experience issues with discontent and discrimination. What matters is not so much that there are issues but what the responses by government and citizens to these are. Generalizations and issues of complexity are common. But when diversity is accepted as the reality that it is, societal issues can and will be addressed, and all citizens will benefit.
No pragmatist expects this to be quick and easy. Realistically, it’s not the average citizen who has a problem with diversity per se. It doesn’t take a significant percentage of citizens to create political/socio-economic chaos. Those who are the angriest will also be those who vote more often and motivate others like them to do the same. The diversity of diversity simply amplifies the belief by some that their country is being taken from them. They cannot comprehend how diversity actually makes their country more successful in many ways.
More successful has to include those who feel left out of what now seems a society antithetical to them. It is not an illusion that economic changes have left behind those who are not participating in new economic financial successes. Investing in those who feel left out, with the understanding that immigration and diversity are still essential to significant economic growth, will create a society that works for everyone. Yes, it’s all imperfect, but there is no other alternative that will accomplish as much.
Pragmatists are at an advantage in this regard, seeing reality for what it is. Socio-economic change is one of the most fundamental realities that societies must cope with. Technology drives change, and change will reward those who seek help and assistance so they can participate in the evolution of the economy. It may not always be obvious, but diversity is a vital part of this process. The diversity of diversity is a positive reality, not a problem.
