When you think of diversity, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

For many people, what first comes to mind is different races, genders and sexualities, oftentimes in that specific order. 

The one diversity that is not talked about enough is the diversity of thought – the concept of individuals with different thoughts co-existing. 

We live in an increasingly hypersensitive country with cancel culture taking America by storm. We must not forget that we are humans. We are individuals with different lives, experiences and perspectives. The misconception that any race, ethnicity, gender or sexuality are a monolith is harmful.

The censorship of books in schools and the fact that 42% of college students reported that they worry about damaging their reputation because of the possibility of someone misunderstanding what they have said or done, is worrisome. These are two clear displays of how sensitive and unwelcoming our country has become to certain thoughts.

Books are sources of knowledge and provide perspectives that can be different from one’s own. No person should feel the need to hide their true feelings or opinions in fear of damaging their reputation, more specifically, the ones that do not mean any harm. 

Diversity in the workplace and schools are usually tied to race and ethnicity. Rarely does one say, “we’re a very diverse place, we have plenty of different people with different ideologies.” What is commonly said is, “we’re a very diverse place, we have plenty of Black, Latino and Asian people.” To me, this comes off as performative. 

An environment filled with different ethnicities or races that all think the same way is no better than an environment filled with only one ethnicity or race that all think the same way.

True diversity is allowing people into a space where they can freely express their own thoughts and ideas. 

When a group with identical thoughts are put in a situation that requires problem solving, all of them will have the same results; there’s no way of knowing which person’s approach was the best, more effective or considerate.

Just because one group of people looks the same does not mean that they think the same. Diversity of thought or just a single person thinking differently has led to numerous innovations and revolutions within society throughout history.

Imagine how many problems could be solved if we were to allow everyone to express their views while working toward a common goal – without them feeling shame or getting silenced or labeled. 

Hypersensitivity and hyperfixation on things such as race do not help solve today’s problems.

Last month, I attended the Black Student Union’s (BSU) general mass meeting and the issue of police brutality was discussed. Listening to the diverse viewpoints and approaches to problem solving left me feeling hopeful. I’m hopeful that in the same way we Black students were able to consider and listen to each other’s perspective will be the same way America and other countries can approach problem solving, without pitting people against each other. We need to allow contrasting viewpoints to engage with one another to come to a resolution. 

This month, I collaborated with Angelina Padilla-Tompkins on a “Look Both Ways” story about zoos. The Northern Star’s “Look Both Ways” stories are when opinion columnists with different views come together and provide readers with different viewpoints on certain topics. This is an example of what I want the world to look more like. 

I cherish places such as BSU and the Northern Star, which treat individuals like individuals and encourage people to express their varying opinions and ideas.

The tolerance of diverse thoughts can help dismantle the hypersensitive and over-emotional America and encourage people to become free thinkers who are not plagued with resentment, hatred and anger over differences. This will further encourage critical thinking, leaving a brighter future for generations to come and a world with more peace.