Diversity in its simplest dictionary definition means "differences." Dr. Beckham's illustration above means "differences within commonalities; differences within the context of unity."  Diversity is the positive connotation of differences. It is a fearless welcoming of the strengths, talents, and tools which each individual or group can bring to the common purpose of the whole. Diversity fuels synergy.

Diversity guarantees opportunity and rights for all including - those of all races, ethnicities, national origins, citizenship, religious backgrounds, gender, socio-economic status, etc. It never assumes inferiority. Although differences can sometimes be negative as well as positive, diversity never allows the negative to devalue the positive, or to justify unfairness. Diversity means that we build on our commonalities, understand our differences, work them through constructively, and grow from interaction with each other.

Ironically, valuing diversity is the most productive ground from which to distinguish, understand, and challenge negative differences when one individual or group may have a better idea than another. It encourages sound judgment and critical thinking. For example, a friend offers constructive criticism to another friend. Valuing common rights compels us to challenge our own and others' harmful social traditions, business practices, and unfair political systems. In all these situations, respect and affection lubricate working out negative differences. "[O]ppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth. Love is the liberator" (S&H 225:20). "[W]hat doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

For decades, tolerance has been the standard of diversity. We are beginning to understand that tolerance is just the first step. Nobody wants to be merely tolerated. Today, diversity means growing in understanding until we don't just accept those who are different from ourselves, but we defend their rights, desire their contributions, and embrace their friendship.