~ Diversity ~

Perhaps you will find these words as interesting and ingtriguing as I did...

 The idea of valuing diversity has been very important in the struggles to overcome oppression.  The difficulty in Western modernity of accepting the idea of 'different, but equal' requires that difference, which is valued, does not imply judgements that one is somehow superior to another.

 Diversity is necessary for a healthy and growing community and contributes a richness and dynamism to the community experience.  Building a community out of 'commonalties' is, in fact, counterproductive.  We do not learn and grow if we only speak with people who are the same as we are!  Is is from DIFFERENCE rather than SAMENESS that we develop and move forward and it is from difference that we gain strength and resilience.  Instead of saying 'in unity is strength' we could be affirming 'in diversity is strength' and seeking to build relationships out of difference rather than sameness.

 Ife, J 2016, pp. 258-259.
Jim Ife is Emeritus Professor and holds an adjunct position at the Centre for Human Rights Education at Curtin University, Perth, WA.
Cheers from Blanco of The Roaming Stevens 
Roaming ~ Seeking knowledge...


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