The Importance of Diversity

For anyone reading my blog, I would highly recommend that you also take a moment to read Lucas’s post from earlier this week! He wrote a fantastic piece in response to last week’s convocation, during which conservative feminist Karin Lips gave a wonderful speech titled “Feminism and Conservatism: Dividing Lines and Possibilities for Unity.” I was originally going to write my post as a response to her speech, but after reading Lucas’s thoughts — which, for the most part, mirrored mine — I thought I would take mine in a slightly different direction.

For those who are unaware, Carleton invites a guest speaker to give a speech every Friday in the Chapel. With speakers ranging from poets to psychologists, and from historians to astronauts, convocations provide a great platform in which students can listen and learn from inspiring individuals, while being exposed to many new ideas and ways of thinking.

Last week, Ms. Lips was able to provide wonderful insight into her view of progressive feminism, one that was unfamiliar to many students on campus but compelling nonetheless. There is no pretending that Carleton, seemingly like most college campuses across the country, consists of a student body that mainly identifies as liberal, and I was originally slightly concerned that many students would not be too respectful towards a speaker who failed to share many of the same beliefs as them (which has been the case at many other colleges, where conservative speakers are barred from speaking). However, I was pleased with the reaction of my fellow students; it was my impression that everyone was not only interested and respectful in hearing what she had to say, but also motivated to continue civil discussion.

The challenging of one’s beliefs and the opportunity to expand one’s knowledge across all facets of learning is essential in life. In higher education, where students are exposed to increased social and political diversity, it is crucial to be open-minded and willing to be pushed past their comfort zones by learning about different perspectives that may be unfamiliar — or even slightly uncomfortable. Carleton prides itself on students who are intellectually curious, and this curiosity for expanding one’s knowledge begins with embracing the willingness to be open to new ideas and change.

Diversity makes us stronger, and while I believe every Carleton student agrees with this, I have feared that political diversity may not be as fully embraced. However, last week’s convocation took a big step in deconstructing this: though many students may not have agreed with all of Ms. Lips’s points, I saw nothing but positive discussion, not only during her speech but for many following days as well. While I disagree with some of the stances my friends and classmates have taken over key issues raised in her speech, I’ve had many productive conversations which I know never would have taken place if Carleton hadn’t elected to choose a conservative speaker to come to campus. Differences in opinions should not separate us, but make us stronger, and I hope Carleton continues to introduce speakers who are able to challenge the way we think, and promote further civil discourse.

Alvin is a west coast kid at heart (coming from San Jose, California), but is excited to start many adventures here in Minnesota. He plays for the soccer team here at Carleton and loves exercise. If he’s not on the soccer field, in the gym, or out on a bike ride during his free time, he can be found in one of the lounges playing Exploding Kittens, or in the music building playing piano. He is a potential economics major with an interest in computer science and mathematics. Meet the other bloggers!