I saw a video of a sculpture that presented different geometric shapes depending on your perspective. The video was shared as a reminder about the need for inclusive diversity. First off, hats off to the artist(s) who figured out how to pull this off; I’m continually amazed at our capacity to create different forms of expression.
I couldn’t find a source link for the video I saw, so instead, I’m sharing another with a similar concept. The actual shape is not just one thing. Yes, you see a circle and a square, but it’s just not any of those things. It’s both of the shapes you can identify and the transitions in between. The whole is much more than the individual elements, but it would not exist without them.
I’d like to think that it’s the same for inclusive diversity. A cohesive mix; not putting more value over one or the other, and also understanding that no single perspective/experience is the full story. The cohesion is easy to say, but not as easy to accomplish and that’s where the work is. Figuring out our planes of alignment, despite our differences. Showing that we can be who we are AND be a part of something bigger.
I believe that having constructive conversations is a big part of this; conversations with an open mind where the hero and the villain aren’t already cast. If we are not able to share /listen to/process other thoughts/perspectives, how will we discover the things that can bring us together?
It’s great to have diversity, but if we are not working together, then what really is the goal?
differentshadesofbrown 