Stop me if you've heard this one.
"People spend so much time championing diversity these days--ethnic diversity, racial diversity, gender diversity--but, when it comes to diversity of thought, people don't seem so open minded." I see some version of this argument every day on Facebook and Twitter, in opinion columns and casual conversations. I have been accused by family members of this alleged hypocrisy. "If you love diversity so much, what about diversity of thought?" As if it's a serious "gotcha" question. But when you really stop to think about it, the question doesn't even make sense. It’s like saying, “if you love Kung Pow Shrimp so much, what about China?” Well, what about it? Those two things are not the same.
By comparing cultural diversity and diversity of thought, you're implying that like all humans, all opinions are created equal and are therefore worthy of respect and due consideration. My opinion gets a trophy and your opinion gets a trophy and Bob's opinion gets a trophy. Unfortunately, all opinions aren't created equal. Some are deeply researched and considered and others are rooted in no thought whatsoever. They're just inherited. Passed down from generation to generation, or fleece bro to fleece bro, like gospel. If we're going to advocate for diversity of thought, can we at least agree that all parties have to be thinking in order to play?
I think what the more harmless "diversity of thought" advocates are really asking for is the right to feel welcome and accepted while expressing their unpopular opinions. But as my oldest son would say, “that’s literally not how that works.” Freedom of speech gives us the right to voice an opinion; it doesn't entitle us to a captive audience enthusiastically chomping on Milk Duds. So, if I choose not to engage with you on a subject, because I’ve heard your line of hooey before, and I can pick apart your logic with both hands sawed off? I'm not being closed minded. I'm just protecting my calendar.
Calling someone closed-minded or insecure because they don't welcome and respect any and all opposing viewpoints is an interesting--and, in my opinion, more sinister--rhetorical strategy. On its surface it looks like freedom, but in practice it's a form of gas lighting and control. What are you getting so heated about? It's just an opinion. You don't have to agree with it.
“I think licorice tastes like pan-seared colon ropes” is an opinion. Not sure what research you did to get there, but I'll let you have it. And then I'll disagree with you, because I love licorice. It makes me fart like a human whoopee cushion, but it tastes delicious. Our opinions about licorice can peacefully co-exist, making the world (or at the very least my Facebook feed) a more interesting and entertaining place. To each her own Good 'n' Plenty.
But if you think transgender youth are "not real", and you're cool if their parents are sentenced to life in prison for helping their children pursue gender affirming medical care? I will take your “diverse thought” and politely tell you to go fuck yourself with it. In every hole. Please and thank you. Because your opinion is toxic and inflammatory and when it becomes policy, people will die. So, no. No "diversity of thought" for you.
It's a charlatan move to demand civil discourse on the one hand, while stripping people of civil rights with the other. It's like denouncing"cancel culture" when what you're actually witnessing is consequences for the shitty behavior you used to get away with.
Cultural diversity is beautiful because it produces ideas that are world changing. Insisting on a world where every thought, regardless of its merit, must be met with respectful neutrality only preserves the status quo. The powerful stay powerful, and the rest of us "keep the peace", hearing each other out, quietly agreeing to disagree.
There are times when it's right to bite your tongue. There are times when it's best to lay back and listen. There are times when ideas will unsettle you deeply not because they're wrong, but because they're discomfortingly right. Keeping an open mind is not passive, and it's a mistake to frame it that way. It's about staying alert and attuned to new ideas and new ways of thinking. It will allow you to consider the possibility that sometimes depriving a dangerous idea of oxygen is the most open minded, and open hearted, thing we can do.
*Photo by https://unsplash.com/@georgeiermann
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