Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that diversity is an incredibly complex topic. I am neither an expert, nor do I have the academic soundness to fully justify my opinions here. Despite these flaws, I have decided to document my thoughts on the subject.
In recent years, the conversation about diversity has become more prominent, but I think there are nuances to this topic that often go unnoticed. We tend to define diversity in a way that is largely visible of race, gender, culture and while these aspects are crucial, true diversity is much broader. It includes the often overlooked, yet equally important, diversity of thought.
I think, true diversity is not just about numbers and representation; it’s about including a range of different perspectives, ways of thinking, and approaches to problem-solving. While the progress made so far in recognising the importance of representation is commendable, there is still much to be done in terms of embracing diverse ways of thinking. A question worth considering is: how can we achieve diversity of thought and identify it without relying solely on visible attributes like race, gender, or culture?
One of my thought is to achieve diversity of thought requires creating environments of equal opportunities that encourage curiosity, open dialogue, and critical thinking. It involves valuing different experiences and perspectives, regardless of whether they are tied to visible characteristics. Encouraging people to share their unique viewpoints, promoting collaboration across disciplines, and creating an inclusive culture where unconventional ideas are welcomed are all key steps. Also, focusing on individual strengths, skills, and lived experiences rather than simply categorising people based on outward traits can help us identify and nurture true cognitive diversity.
Another reason I think we need to move on or tweak the conventional diversity model is, the focus on easily identifiable attributes can be limiting, it brings preconception and stereotypes. I am not here to judge how people should think about others, but my sole point is, the present model has risks missing out on the deeper, more transformative power of cognitive diversity, that is, valuing and actively encouraging different ways of thinking and being. For example, think about someone’s surname, it can be a cultural marker, a religious or geographical identity. However, it should not and must not box someone into stereotypes or limit their opportunities.
And I think, to truly harness the benefits of diversity, we must start by nurturing self-awareness. Each person is a blend of experiences, emotions, creative abilities, and psychological nuances. Recognising our own biases, embracing our own complexity, and reflecting on our values and judgments are the first steps towards understanding others. Self-awareness cultivates empathy, which is foundational for appreciating the uniqueness of other people.
When we become more aware of our own complexities, we realise that others are just as multi-faceted, no one is defined simply by their culture, background, or beliefs. Preconceived notions about someone’s cultural identity can lead to limiting assumptions. We need to keep in mind that every individual is unique, shaped by a myriad of factors that go far beyond the labels society tends to use.
Embracing true diversity means staying open-minded. It means allowing for the possibility that someone we initially judge by appearance or background might have an entirely different story than what we assume. This openness paves the way for meaningful conversations, new perspectives, and deeper connections that go beyond surface-level differences.
Ultimately, real progress in diversity comes from within—by nurturing self-awareness and fostering an environment that celebrates different ways of thinking. It requires challenging ourselves to step out of our comfort zones, question our assumptions, and see the value in perspectives that differ from our own. By expanding our understanding of what diversity means, we can create a world that values every individual for their unique thoughts, creativity, and humanity. I am hopeful that while we are actively thinking about diversity, and it’s a work in progress. We have far to go to achieve the most positive outcomes. We need to exercise and spread these principles as far as possible, regardless of geographical and cultural boundaries.
I would like to end on a quote,
“We can judge our progress by the courage of our questions and the depth of our answers, our willingness to embrace what is true rather than what feels good.” — Carl Sagan
