As human beings, we are revealed and make ourselves known to one another by an infinite variety of elements. Intelligence, language, race, ability, values, politics, religion, ideals and ideologies, gender presentation, philosophy and a host of other elements which are common to humankind. So many differences, some jarringly so, how are we meant to find some common ground? Humanity. The recognition of our common humanity is the first step in the celebration of our differences – differences that inform our cultures, our values, our minds, and all our ways of being and moving through the world.
Diversity is the leading source of our creative life force and the central reality in our understanding and protection of it. Exposing yourself to new ideas, different cultures, learning new ways of doing things, in short diversifying your life, makes you more creative. It also gives you a better understanding of others. Even when not actively trying to solve problems or “create”, adding diversity to your life provides you with more knowledge, experience and insight than you would have without that diversity. So how do you incorporate diversity into everyday life? Traveling abroad and immersing yourself into a different culture in a different country isn’t exactly practical for everyone (especially in the current climate! Covid19 you suck!), but diversity can be as simple as trying new foods, taking evening classes in new courses, reading books on new subjects or networking through social media. Music is an awesome way of connecting to other cultures, how many different forms of music can bring happiness to groups outside of their own traditional roots? Cultural celebrations foster respect and open-mindedness for other cultures, and guess what? They’re fun!
Diversifying and experiencing these differences gives us knowledge and knowledge is the key to tolerance. Many people have a limited experience with different cultures, including myself. I believe working to understand other’s perspectives; we broaden our own, which leads to us educating ourselves. Education and knowledge is key to living harmoniously with our fellow humans and the planet. Through each other’s diversity, we become more aware of our own. Not only do we become more aware, we gain a sense of pride for the diversity of our own culture. It gives us the chance to examine our heritage without bias, feeling pride for the good and learning from the mistakes.
Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us. Seeking to understand people and their background is crucial to personal and community growth while being energising and thought provoking. Without growth are we really living or just going through the motions?
The diversity of life is made up not only of the wide realm of human cultures and languages, but also of the diverse world of plants and animal species, habitats and ecosystems. Therefore, a more sustainable world is one in which biological, cultural and linguistic diversity thrive through the strength of the system. It is upon the foundation of this diverse array of ecological and human cultures that a sustaining, resilient world is built.
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