Dimensions of Diversity (the unseen race and neurodiversity)

Diversity comes in many forms and can manifest in different ways. The most visible aspects of diversity often revolve around physical appearances such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age. However, there are dimensions of diversity that are often unseen or unacknowledged, such as a person's connection to their racial identity and their neurodiversity. These dimensions are important to empathetically explore because they have impact on how people interact with others and experience life.

In terms of race, diversity goes far beyond hair type, eye shape, lips, ears, and clothes. A person's connection to their racial identity may be informed by what they feel and instinctively align. These feelings and instincts include their cultural practices, traditions, language, and history.

For example, a young man who appears to be White may have a strong affinity for and connection to their Indigenous heritage and culture, e.g. Chickamauga-Cherokee and Dragging Canoe. It is important for him to recognize and value these connections, as they can inform a person's experiences, perspectives, understanding of instinct, and interactions with others.

Another unseen diversity is neurodiversity. neurodiversity is a dimension of diversity that is unseen and thus overlooked. Neurodiversity refers to the natural and valuable variation in human brains, including value in cognitive and sensory processing. This includes (dis)-abilities such as autism, dyslexia, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and others. These valuable differences can impact how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. Because sequential-thinking and industrialization are rooted in the last 100 years the abilities are miscategorized and stigmatized.

Valuing what is overlooked and experiences that haven't been shared is important to grow your empathy. Empathy of the unseen or experiences creates inclusivity and embraces the unseen dimensions of diversity. 

You will recognize there is more to diversity than what is seen on the surface, we will acknowledge and value the multiple-tribal-connections and experiences that make each person unique. This will lead to greater empathy and appreciation for the diverse mindsets and experiences people bring to all situations.

In conclusion, diversity goes deeper and broader than that which is seen. Diversity encompasses dimensions to include a person's connection to their racial identity and their neurodiversity. As the Leader who GIVES(™) we value these aspects of diversity. We Grow our appreciation of the different experiences and perspectives that individuals bring. Our peers Improve themselves by recognizing they are in an inclusive and understanding community, business, and friendship.