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DIVERSITY OF IDEAS - DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College oif Manila
AB Political Science
Diversity goes beyond recognizing that we are different in many ways for with the diversity of ideas come
different perspectives too. Wouldn’t it be absurd if all of us have the same ideas, think in the same way and talk
in the same way? Do all people claim the same thing? I believe that each one of us is unique in own way or
another, because it has long been a fact that no two persons are alike. Therefore, diversity means differences
and it’s all because we people come from different cultures, be it ethnic, religious and other differences and
this is what makes this world a diverse place to live. The true meaning of valuing diversity is to respect and
enjoy a wide range of cultural and individual differences, thereby including everybody for that matter. As it is, it
would only mean that we are all different in measurable ways.
Each one of us has different abilities and has different set of minds in pursuit of different valuable ideas. We are
all subject to our biases and not only that, we all have our unique cognitive abilities, work experiences and life
histories. A broad horizon of perspectives each to its own sets us apart from each other. Diversity brings
innovation. Thus, we cannot discount the fact of what it brings us, of how people with more diverse sources of
information actually generate better ideas consistently. This means that higher diversity of connections
translates to higher value ideas. We can therefore say that diversity brings us personal improvement. We can
say this because we gain a better command of options and ways to approach issues.
Yes, you can say it again, that is, we become better in the innovation discourse. What makes an individual
smarter is the diversity of viewpoints that radically innovates meaning. Tapping diversity is the key that enables
individuals to have better innovation. It means bringing different points of view to the innovation discourse.
Statistically speaking, this will improve the chances of getting the best answer. Here we can see that diversity is
very important and valuable for both the individual innovator and the innovative community at large.
As the years go by, we can see the growing need of diversity. Diversity of ideas is what really counts. As a
matter of fact, there are two ways in which diversity affects innovation. One is that diversity relates to
collaborative networks for an individual. The other one is that the wisdom of the crowd brings a diversity of
perspectives in identifying top ideas. This is very true because crowd sourced diversity can also help shape an
idea and improve it. Here we find that the role of the crowd is to filter the best ideas.
Diversity truly means differences. At present, it includes the perspectives brought about by intergenerational
differences, international education and work experience and a multicultural background. Apparently, in this
complex and intricate world that we live in, there is no doubt that diversity of ideas will definitely produce
different perspectives.
Questions for discussion:
1. How do you view diversity? Explain your answer.
2. Can you say that ingenuity also mean diversity? Why or why not?
3. Does having diverse ideas improve yourself? Explain your answer.
4. Has diversity broadened your horizons? How?
5. Do you agree that diversity brings about innovation? Why or why not?