Why can diversity and inclusion be such a difficult one for us to embrace?

Often, when we return from travelling overseas, we rave excitedly about the eclectic places we’ve seen.

We love them because they’re different. Diverse cultures, different tastes, sights and smells you'll never forget. You enjoyed meeting the locals, and hearing about the people who many years ago built the history and culture you soaked up with interest.  

Why then, once back in our own world, do we struggle to embrace the same vibrancy with those many diverse communities who call our own cities home? Why do differences, which whilst on holiday we celebrated as exciting, suddenly become difficult, rather than enjoyable? 

Perhaps let's start with some definitions.

The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘Diversity’ as “the practice of including people from different social/ ethnic backgrounds, different genders, sexual orientations etc.”

‘Inclusive’ is defined as “aiming to provide equal access to opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded…..”

Lastly, ‘equitable’ is defined as “fair and reasonable; treating everyone in an equal way.”

I reckon most reading this missive would agree that diversity, inclusion, and equity is something to be sought out. Something that should just happen as it’s right and proper. Yes? 

What have the white coated scientist peeps got to say?

Well, in ‘Why We Need Diversity’, Elizabeth A. Segal, Ph.D argues that “When we live and work with people who are different, we are exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking. Mixing with people of different backgrounds and life experiences brings us to question why we are doing things the way we do.”
Kaplan International Pathways quotes Kayode, a Nigerian student identifying why, in his opinion, an inclusive environment is important. “When people feel included, they are better able to contribute to the group without fear of being ostracised.”

Again, I reckon you’re nodding agreement with Dr Segal and Kayode. Yet, the question that titles this piece remains. 

I live in Tauranga Moana, a gorgeous place, yet one in which Te Pati Maori (a national political party) refused to stand a candidate in a recent by-election as they felt Tauranga Moana was "a racist little town." They felt presumably that any candidate would face a backlash based on the party's Maori interest stance. 
You might find similar sentiment in your city. But why? If we get that diversity and inclusion is such an easy decision, why do we struggle to embrace the vibrant, eclectic mix of cultures, tastes and smells we want? It’s not that we don’t have ethnicities or cultures, we do. Is it just that they're all just a bit…well siloed. 

Project23 is an organisation in the United States that helps organisations create diverse and inclusive cultures.

On their website, several reasons are highlighted as to why diverse and inclusive environments can be a challenge to develop.

• It can be uncomfortable to talk about.
• Organisations don’t view DEI as crucial to strategy.
• Fear. (saying/doing the wrong things)
• It’s a huge issue (at least it appears).
• Some don’t want to change.
• Time. (To change)
• Willing/but limited knowledge. 

Another aspect can be labelled in New Zealand as our ‘man-up’ attitude. 

You know. The ‘we don’t talk about emotions, money or politically sensitive topics’ upbringing I’m aware many New Zealanders experienced.

It may have been a hangover from the pioneering spirit when a struggle to survive was more important than a discussion around mental health. Today, however, these are serious issues.

Recently, a relative described a man seen quoted on the news during a story around his mental health as being a “weak man”. And this, I feel, is the nub. 

For any city, in this case Tauranga Moana to become a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive city, we need to firstly acknowledge, and then start talking about the things that matter.

We need to feel able to talk about cultural connections in a way that doesn’t feel embittered or politicized.

We need to feel able to talk about the reality that our country is home to more than 200 ethnicities, each of whom have fascinating and valuable cultures that we can celebrate and be better for appreciating. And as we become more aware of human gender identity, we should celebrate all peoples being able to be who they were born to be. Isn’t that what you’d want for our society, for your children? 

I’d love to see us positively discuss subjects that don’t necessarily impact our own daily lives. Understanding how to appreciate, learn from and celebrate someone who’s Transgender perhaps, or living with a disability.

Is it possible that in pivoting a mindset to see the value in people for who they are, for their culture, life stories and experience, we might just create that we want? Wouldn’t that be a first step to a better Tauranga Moana?

Wouldn’t it be great to see your children armed with the knowledge and understanding of how to value everyone they meet and celebrate differences? 

As examples, how will your children experience your city today? Will they see…

• shops, cafes, restaurants openly celebrating acceptance of all?
• a CDB with celebrations of Hanukkah, or Eid, as well as Christmas?
• a same-sex couple holding hands and then ask you about love?
• a church with a positive message that values everyone?
• a new friend with two moms and talk excitedly about how cool they are?
• an amazing person with skills and a smile when passing someone in a wheelchair?
• a rugby practice that rejects toxic masculinity and embraces all who take part?

The reality is that a diverse, inclusive, and equitable society isn’t a challenge to embrace. We just need to be willing to stop, to think about our wider society, and consider how we can positively impact our communities, our cities and ultimately, our planet. 

Thanks for reading and here's to you. Whoever you are. #youbeyou