Sometimes we view those who have different ideologies as being on the fringe or even as plain crazy. It is interesting that some of the freedoms we enjoy today were initiated by these so-called fringe groups.
A few weeks ago, I was at the American Pavilion at Epcot. I remember the opening of the show and how it talked about a band of settlers that came together to write the Declaration of Independence and fought for their independence from Great Britain, which formed the United States. These settlers didn’t let their beliefs be stymied by the British.
Other examples of the impact of such fringe ideals include the women’s suffrage movement, civil rights movement and others. We often tend to forget the importance of how new concepts that may be considered dangerous may in fact make a positive impact. Not all concepts will be successful or will even work, but it is about exploring the ideal.
People say that ideologies can’t be overcome. Let’s look at Spain. As a very traditional and predominately Catholic country, it has allowed same-sex marriage. If a mostly traditional and conservative society can allow same-sex marriage, why can’t individuals in the United States have reasonable conversations about this issue?
Within our own commonwealth, the whole concept of gay rights is a controversial one. It almost seems as though some don’t even want to acknowledge that these beliefs exist. How much longer will the question be around, and will those in power not acknowledge the needs of this community? This is a prime example of ideologies that prevent reaching a common ground, and people are subsequently hurt.
When it comes to issues of diversity, no one is saying that you have to alter your ideology; I believe the issue is about understanding how your ideology shapes your interactions with others and your willingness to understand the other side. In many instances, we close ourselves off from even having basic discussions on subjects because of ideology.
Too many times we see ideology as about winning and losing, but I would argue that it is about finding common ground. As we move forward in engaging with and understanding and talking about diversity, we need not be afraid to talk about the dynamics of ideology.
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A version of this article appeared in the Mar 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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One big problem with diversity is that (nearly) everyone takes it way out of context. They make diversity initiatives by accepting more women, or blacks, or hispanics, etc. When really they leave other diversity points out of the picture. I am from NYC does that not make me completely socially diverse from someone from SW VA or California or Texas? A school that wants to be diverse should focus on the big diversity picture not just, do we have enough blacks/women/jews/muslims/etc.
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Good article on explaining what ideology is and how it relates to diversity....however, this is absolutely impossible and a ridiculous suggestion to try include ideology within the scope of this imagined world of diversity. The reason? Because ones' ideology is determining 1) their current state of happiness and 2) their perceived destination after they die and 3) their moral compass. Also, when you start to try to manipulate someone's personal ideology, you are getting way too involved in someone else's life and that is just plain intrusion. People will react the same way as a home invasion, they will fight. One last note your comment that ideology is about "finding common ground" is wrong because you are asking someone else to stretch or modify their personal ideology to achieve your personal percieved common ground. To restate, your idea of creating harmony between your ideology and theirs is plain selfish because you have created the idea of a "common ground" in your own head - it may not be theirs; yet you are pleading their must be change in theirs to accomplish your adopted ideological goals.
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