I have a friend which at the end of every e-mail he sends out, is his name and underneath the name, the statement “Diversity not Division”. I’m sure he knows what it means but for myself and others, the meaning is not as simple as it seems.
The expression was used by UNIFEST (maybe because of a suggestion from PM Justin Trudeau). This group works directly with clients to design and implement tailored solutions to support business growth. Also, to develop a dynamic government funding plan that supports unity and diversification through Arts & Culture. So far so good.
Then we recall George Floyd’s death. In the wake of the shooting, a “Diversity over Division” started as a fundraising campaign to raise awareness about racial injustice. The awareness took off with the rapid spread of “Black Lives Matter”, with slogans chanted and painted everywhere. Did the “Division” part crumble – not so much but it helped it.
There are many agencies to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing work, recovery and support services to people who are motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. The agency’s many programs are available to all persons in need regardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Diversity is the condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization.
Sheila and I live in a remarkably diverse household, us along with two cats. We are male and female, and the cats are both male but different colours. We both prefer the white cat over the orange one, not because of his colour but because he has a nicer temperament. Surely that isn’t considered racism. Maybe we should practice “Cats lives Matter” too.
Furthermore, there is a growing sense that these do-good projects are generally faltering. Politics have become increasingly caustic, and norms of civility have eroded. There is less compromise, and more attempts at winner-take-all brinksmanship. One commonly held theory is that it’s the increase in diversity that’s ailing Western countries. After all, diversity implies difference – different wants, different needs, and different interests. The more diverse a society is, the more likely these differences will manifest themselves in ways that put people at odds with each other.
Then there is an example that’s quite converse. On Monday night, San Francisco Giants staffer Alyssa Nakken made Major League Baseball history as the first female to ever coach in an on-field capacity. She had an inspiring journey from intern to changemaker. “I know the ins and outs and who to talk to,” she told NBC Sports. “I’ve given blood, sweat and tears to this organization already, and I’m so excited to continue that.”
When I lived in Toronto, I observed a city enriched with ethnic diversity, whether at work or in my own neighborhood. There were occasionally small incidents that could be dismissed as innocent.
One day, on the cul de sac where I lived, I came across a group of oriental kids playing road hockey. I was a nuisance to them as they had to move off the road, as well as the goal posts. One lad approached my open window, and shouted, “Why don’t you go back to your own country?” I was so taken aback that I had no response – rather amusement. Was it reverse discrimination? If it was, I didn’t see it as a big deal.
What occurred the next year more than made up for the slight. A Muslim family had moved in next day and purposely kept to themselves. However, they had two younger boys that became curious about everything I did outside. Eventually I began chatting with them, eventually introducing them to throwing and catching a softball. The most pleasant part was when they knocked at the door one afternoon. My Ex answered and I overhead the boys ask, “Can Bobby come out to play?” I was outside in a flash. I guess I was the other side of the coin – the one favoring diversity.
With no clear-cut answers regarding this provocative topic, my view is that promoting diversity in Canada is a safer choice but not everyone would agree nor would every country.
