Thomas Sowell On Diversity Analysis

In the definition of diversity, the term variety is used. Variety has become an idea that has been so defined in our culture today. There is a constant need to point out the variety or diversity of many things. We see clubs created on campus to celebrate diversity among students. Certain organization have diversity quotas they need to meet when they are hiring new employees. The whole idea of diversity has become so an overstated concept in almost everything we come across today. We as a culture, naturally like to embrace a variety of things. But why is it so important for us to point out the superiority of them, while in the process of separating them from everything us? If we are to embrace diversity among everyone, then why is there a need
to exclude them from diversity groups?
Author Thomas Sowell discusses diversity by a means of progression.
His points are that progression is what is ultimately leading to the diversity that we so greatly embrace in our cultures today. The diversity that exists among the groups have come from over time and geographical locations, and that is what has made everyone diverse. His thoughts on the importance of diversity point out that maybe we, as a culture, are possibly doing more harm than good. These “badges of identity” that we have embraced as a culture are possibly creating superiority among groups. He points out that it doesn’t matter what group could be better than the other, we should just embrace it as a progression in our society and see it as a benefit.
Sowell states, “A given culture may not be superior for all things in all settings, much less remain superior over time, but particular cultural features may nevertheless be clearly better for some purposes—not just different”. Sowell’s thoughts and article teaches us to look beyond the diversity as a way to point out different groups and what they have achieved. He embraces the thought that maybe it shouldn’t matter, just embrace the positive progression we are making as a whole. Set aside the need to break everyone down into diverse groups and see us all as
one.
There are naturally always going to be cultures that will exceed and some things more than others. This is the realization of progression in our world. Sowell notes, “Nothing has been more common than for particular groups—often a minority—to dominate particular occupations or industries”. This will always be a given in society. The mentality behind it is to no longer feel the human need to point it out as a competition or superiority fact. Embrace the progression and accept it as a benefit.
Schwalbe’s thoughts on diversity are somewhat similar to Sowell’s.
It was interesting to see that at the beginning of chapter 11, all of the diverse factors that Schwalbe discusses all lead back to money and income. He does ask a similar question that Sowell gives thought to. Schwalbe asks, “Does the difference allow one group to benefit from another?” (Schwalbe, p.215) He gives thought to the aspect that this diversity identifier could be causing more harm than it is good. Schwalbe also makes the statement than “In each case the inequality means that some people have advantages over others—more specifically, they have better chances to live good lives” (Schwalbe, p.217). I think this statement might contradict the thoughts that Sowell is trying to get across. Just because inequality does exist among different cultures, does not mean it is superior, or that it will have a better chance at a good
life.
In conclusion, I think Sowell and Schwalbe have similar thoughts on diversity, but are reaching their conclusions in different manners. I personally think that Sowell has a broader mindset about diversity and how to embrace it. Schwalbe seems to come across as being a little more narrow minded and looks at the detailed specifics of diversity among people. They do both reach a point that as a culture, we need to depend on others for the progression of our society.