Appreciate Diversity

What comes to your mind when you hear the word diversity? According to the dictionary, the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.

But! Do you actually appreciate diversity?

Diversity is the commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique. Diversity exists in various forms. Diversity could be in age, economic style, cultural background, gender identity, physical appearance, political affiliation, race, religious beliefs, education, ethnicity, disability, geographical background, languages, the colour of the skin and innumerable other forms.

It is a positive and essential element because it provides our culture with a variety of perspectives which in turn are helpful in the development of all the individuals, society, country, nation and the world at large.

Narrow-minded people, who are against the existence of diversity in their societies and refuse to accept the change, need to understand one simple fact; life will become excessively boring if every individual possess the same hobbies and the same qualities.

There is a famous quote that speaks volume to this effect; "Variety is the Spice of Life."

Similarly, life without the co-existence of diversities is like food without salt; useless. All the important events represent the importance of diversity if we look at them from a different point of view.

Few tips to appreciate and respect diversity:

◼️ Increasing our understanding of our own and others' worldview

◼️ Putting a check on our attitudes towards people who are different from us

◼️ Identifying the origin of our negative reactions and recognizing our biases

◼️ Being willing to talk, listen, and learn

◼️ Being aware of how discrimination operates, who it privileges, and who it harms

◼️ Speaking out against insensitive remarks and discriminatory behaviours

◼️ Respecting and accepting differences

◼️ Human diversity is a gift. Appreciating and celebrating this can help us all lead happier and more productive lives.

People value diversity when they recognize and respect difference. Stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination interfere with this respect, and this happens when people fear and question difference. If we instead, choose to accept and recognize that we're all different and our diversity is what makes cultures brighter and the world better, discrimination will be diminished and gradually disappear.

Written by fortherestofourlife