A lot of people mistake diversity as the end and not the means. It's why so many people claim to be for it, up until they come across someone who has a radically different viewpoint. And then they are as intolerant as any Klansman. I think a great deal of that disconnect stems from the failure to accept the reality that there will always be people in this life with whom one will have absolutely nothing in common, and that while we are compelled to respect their right to hold different views (within reason) we are by no means obligated to like them or spend time with them.
The ends vs the means...that makes sense. I think for me diversity has simply always been the "way" - not out of choice but out of necessity and later out of obligation. Growing up in a biracial, bicultural, bilingual & bireligious environment dictated limitations. I never felt a refuge within any community, not even the home. But I feel like all of a sudden a lightbulb's gone off...I don't HAVE to accomodate other people's ideologies, and get little in return. I know the benefits aren't sustaining and I feel like now I can articulate why.
I know it's a simple revelation but giving myself permission to have more discrimination in the connections I make feels truly empowering.
That said, I think we need to have some wine and grub in the near future - I feel there are notes of parallel we and our spouses may get a kick out of comparing.
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I know it's a simple revelation but giving myself permission to have more discrimination in the connections I make feels truly empowering.
That said, I think we need to have some wine and grub in the near future - I feel there are notes of parallel we and our spouses may get a kick out of comparing.
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