As humans, we like to simplify complex problems.
One of the ways we simplify complexity is to generalize and narrow the number of variables down to one or a few important ones. Then we use labels to galvanize and communicate those generalizations.
This process comes naturally because it helps us make sense of things and is a proven problem-solving technique. As an engineer and software developer, I’ve used generalization and abstraction to help me solve problems for over 30 years.
As such, we tend to oversimply diversity.
We tend to narrow down and overvalue diversity that we can see — ethnicity, age, gender, etc. And we tend to undervalue diversity we can’t see — personal experience, family history, finances, geographical background, worldview, etc.
Our focus on visual diversity is understandable and well-placed. We needed to, and continue to need to, reckon with this.
True diversity, however, runs deeper than only the visual variables. Each person in any group has a personal history and a present personal situation. They’ve experienced their own highs and lows, wins and losses, joys and tragedies.
Each of these events fit together to form that puzzle that is our personal human condition.
The weight of this recognition continues to lead me to empathy as the answer in all circumstances. When we see each person or group of people through the lens of empathy, we have a chance at progress.
