Diversity Focuses on Differences and not Commonalities
I don’t like the word diversity. I like the word unity better. Merriam Webster defines diversity
plural diversities
1 : the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization
- programs intended to promote diversity in schools
2 : an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities : an instance of being diverse
- a diversity of opinion
Merriam Webster defines unity
plural unities
b (1) : a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation
- in a table of natural sines the radius of the circle is regarded as unity
Antonyms of diverse alike, identical, indistinguishable, kin, kindred, like, parallel, same, similar
Focusing on Differences Encourages Conflicts
In order for a community to become strengthened, the members must focus on common values, common interests, common needs, and common outcomes. Try walking up to someone and say, “I root for a different team, will you help me?” I went to Oklahoma State University. I can honestly tell you on a football Saturday the OSU and OU fans are not best friends. It doesn’t matter if we are all Oklahomans.
Focusing on Unity Creates Solutions
I have been an attorney for over 25 years and I can honestly say I have never settled a dispute focusing on differences. We may need to recognize differences, but we need to focus on common interests. A prime example is if we live in Oklahoma, we are all citizens of Oklahoma. When a tornado hits, we are all united to helping one another. My argument is simple, if we are focused on our differences, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Community is the antitheses to Diversity. At the end of the day, we all bleed the same. Let’s find ways to work together on this blue marble we call earth in this pin dot of a city we call Tulsa.