Diversity Is a Non-starter. In Fact, Even

¶ … diversity is a non-starter. In fact, even if a population is not 'diverse' as currently defined, it is nonetheless infinitely diverse. Each member of any group, defined under the standard parameters for diversity or not, is unique unto himself or herself. Diversity is, in fact, built into human society, as it is into the societies of the animal kingdom, the plant kingdom, and, if one wants to stretch it that far, even the mineral kingdom. While there is greater homogeneity in a box of rocks of one type than, for example, in a box of puppies all of one breed, there are still unique characteristics if only in size and shape.

But diversity, as a concept, is useful in dealing with and contributing to human society in the 21st Century. We have recently experienced a number of centuries in which diversity was held in low esteem. In fact, any population that was 'diverse' from the majority population was, in fact, considered to be little more than a box of rocks, with about the same needs, desires and rights for all too great a portion of human history in general, and certainly for far too many years in the United States in particular.

That was ignorance at its best, which, thankfully, we have transcended, if only by virtue of insisting, in our government and in many private institutions, on embracing diversity. For a thoughtful person, embracing diversity consists in no more than this:

Accept others for who they are, and express who you are.

Diversity is a lot more than skin deep. It goes far beyond hair color, far beyond national origin, religious beliefs, preference in form of government, or any legal preference at all. (To be sure, illegal preferences are also hallmarks of diversity, but I would prefer not to include them, as I would not like to be seen as promoting them.) Diversity goes beyond native tongue, beyond abilities or disabilities (mental, physical or even spiritual), financial or social. As each human being's DNA is different from every other human being's DNA, so is the outward expression their genetic makeup produces. Even identical twins do not always think or act alike and their bodies often age slightly differently, depending on their life choices.

Because I intend to major in psychology, it is imperative that I regard each person as not merely part of a group, identified for purposes of diversity. Each person I contact as a psychologist will be unique. Knowing that, I can tailor my assistance accordingly.

Still, it will be helpful for me to have been part of an institution in which diversity of various groups is recognized and supported. It is necessary to know something of the social context from which a person is operating in order to help them. The more experience I can gain of a variety of social contexts (ethnicity, religion, and so on), the more easily I can begin to see how their strengths and weaknesses came about, and how best to apply my knowledge for their benefit.

My intended minor is business. Again, it is impossible to do business with others unless one recognizes what is important to them, as part of a group, certainly, as well as individually. In a larger context, global business absolutely depends on an appreciation and working knowledge of other cultures.

And, of course, I also bring my own unique qualities to any environment, and I also bring the factors I have gained from and share with the various groups with which I can claim affinity -- ethnic, religious and more.