Handling diversity may be ticklish and cumbersome, but it rolls out striking benefits in terms of harmony, finances, and cognition. There are multitudes of advantages of an inclusive workforce or the society. Talking about its strengths, the author Zainah Anwar has aptly outlined the cognitive significances.
It may be strange yet pleasant to know that people are more likely to fall for wrong ideas while working with like-minded people. Conversely, working with people of different religions, race, gender, nationality, and ethnic origins bring smartness, critical thinking, and an innovative aptitude. Not only it opens up our mind, but also makes us receptive to 'strange' ideas and instills confidence to discern those ideas as useful or not. It is, thus, necessary that modern societies not only embrace diversity but live it up.
Clearly, reasons of societal betterment are entrenched in diversity. The author aptly hints that people are likely to imitate the actions and behaviors of colleagues who are 'like' them. However, mindless imitation flowers unnecessary mistakes. As such, modern societies need to provide enough room for variations and make diversity its strength.
Unfortunately, the case is not so simple. The significance of diversity is seeping into the consciousness, but the world as a whole has 'failed' to achieve required results. The case of Malaysia, as he talked about, can be easily extended to nations across the globe.
Most of the communities see diversity as a threat rather than strength. Schools and universities are becoming specific to a race or religion. Biases and instances of hatred across ethnic communities are hitting newspapers headlines frequently. Above all, some group have become intolerant of diversity and have foiled the harmony. The simmering violence because of religious intolerance has threatened the politics and economy of not only Malaysia but the whole world. It is the reason that we face violence, attacks, and hate speech almost every day.
Having raised these disturbing traits, the author has presented a viable solution of adopting multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is the answer indeed. It is an organized response to ethnic and cultural diversity and a systematic response towards it. It describes the promotion of various cultural traditions usually in terms of culture linked to a minority or ethnic group. The recommendation of the author in fostering multiculturalism is one of most viable solutions that philosophers and academicians have also endorsed.
All in all, the views are thought-provoking. The write-up has well presented the benefits of diversity and reasons are duly backed up by scholarly studies. Among all arguments and reasons, the perception of cognitive betterment seems novel and unique. It is tempting to know that working with people of diverse backgrounds entices our critical thinking and shakes off innovative approach. In gist, the author presents a sound case of diversity handling in a matured manner. Diversity needs to be not only tackled but embraced if the world is to live in harmony and excel in different facets be it technological, social, and cognitive.
References
Anwar, Z. (2016, February 7). Diversity Our Source of Strength. Retrieved February 8, 2016, from thestar.com: http://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/sharing-the-nation/2016/02/07/diversity-our-source-of-strength-we-dont-need-studies-to-tell-us-that-being-a-multiethnic-society-ma/
Credit-Suisse. (2012, August). Gender Diversity and Corporate Performance. Credit Suisse.
Parekh, B. C. (2002). Rethinking Multiculturalism: Cultural Diversity and Political Theory. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
