Diversity has two dimensions, the primary, mainly biological, which is age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities and the secondary which is language, education, values occupation, culture, etc. These various differences that hinder insertion at both the individual and institutional dimensions, need to be examined in light of the goal of communities to begin “living diversely.” While the Earth is vast, we live in a small world full of opportunities to connect with each other, and it’s only when we do this that the walls between us come down. Like what William Sloane Coffin once said, “Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps most of the dangerous thing for a society to be without.”
Yet the majority of us seem to find it incredibly difficult, caught up as we are in the things that divide us. In one sense, of course, we are more connected to each other than we’ve ever been before. The people we choose to surround ourselves with give an insight into who we are, not just because they may be a reflection of our own character, but because they represent what we feel comfortable around. We design our personal circles inspired by our own image, and in doing so we produce a microcosm of our own society.
The second of the Six Degrees of Integration from the book 'Diversify' by June Sarpong asks you to examine your ‘circle’ and if it needs diversifying, to reach out to those beyond it and find common ground – the point at which all humanity meets – with people whom you thought you shared nothing. If you live in a diverse neighborhood, you have the opportunity to discover so much about others as well as yourself. You will gain an understanding of others and exchange valuable skills and experiences. There are of course risks with moving out of our comfort zone, but the risk of failing to do so is that we lead narrow, comfortable lives and miss out on so much of the variety that humanity has to offer.
Managing diversity is an on-going process that releases the various talents and potential which a diverse population bring to an organization, community or society to create a healthy environment that is safe for differences. It enables people to celebrates diversity, and expand the full potential of all, in a cultural context where everyone benefits. Multiculturalism, as the art of managing diversity, is a comprehensive process where no one is left out. Diversity, in its essence, is the making of one group as the standard for all groups.
Diversity is not always something we can measure or see. Diversity also includes people with different educational backgrounds, personality types, cultural references, experiences, or physical abilities. Inclusion is when every single person in the community is valued, heard, respected, and feels a true sense of belonging. It goes beyond tolerance to actually celebrate and elevating every person in the room. The objective of valuing diversity and appreciating differences is not simply to make people feel good about each other. Businesses, like other social institutions, have a specific goal for existing, to execute their mission through whatever product or service they provide.
Our business at Flora's Pocket here celebrates diversity because it is for everyone. Check out our 'Humanity is Singular, Not Plural' video now to see how we celebrate it!
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