A new book by a distinguished Yale Law professor discusses the problem of diversity in our schools and in our approach to ideas in general. Anthony Kronman has been a law professor for 40 years. In “The Assault on American Excellence” he discusses how this over-used term has been perverted in meaning, to the point of now standing for the very opposite of the real meaning of diversity.
Increasingly, on the campus, at the workplace, and in political discourse, the concept of diversity is being used to promote a society that does not accept diverse ideas. Groups are becoming accepted as blocks of people who think alike. Ethnic background, race, sexual preference – all now stand for specific viewpoints that must share specific viewpoints. The fact that you happen to have a background or preference automatically validate your viewpoint and dismisses independent thought.
Kronman is equally concerned about what he calls, “the Tyranny of majority opinion”. This means that the search for the truth and allowing free discussions of viewpoints is no longer being tolerated. We can see this happening in the recent political debates where most candidates are expected to move in lockstep opinions. Alternate views are belittled, discourse is discouraged.
Nowhere is this lack of idea diversity apparent than in our political system. The two major American parties now differ only slightly in rhetoric but act almost identically. Which party stands for freedom of the individual? Who promotes fiscal responsibility? What about free movement of people and goods? The answer is not to be found in either the Democratic or Republican party.
True diversity is to be found in the expression and promotion of diverse ideas. No one should be expected to have viewpoints based solely on their background, gender, or color. Every one of us should be free to formulate our own opinions and to respect the views of others. This is what creates a truly great society. This is the goal of the Libertarian Party.
Only Libertarians promote individual freedom of thought and action. This is why our party is growing faster than any other party in our country. The Libertarian Party of Chester County, Pa. is made up of people from all walks of life who are dedicated to the promotion of free ideas. We welcome you to our monthly meetings to discuss how we can best do this. Unlike the other parties, we welcome the diversity of your ideas – the type of Diversity that really matters.