The paradox of diversity

The paradox of diversity is that a space made for everyone is a space that appeals to no-one. Our political desire for diversity of opportunity and opinion is well justified—your likelihood of success in life should not be decided (or even influenced) by where you’re born, what you look like, or who you love.

However, not every space should be designed to appeal to everyone. Spaces influence people, and a homogeneity of spaces will eventually create a homogeneity of people.

Paradoxically, in trying to cater for the diversity of people, diversity itself can be the victim.

My advice: don’t confuse your political inclination to celebrate diversity on a macro scale with a necessity to manufacture homogeneity on a micro scale. Your tribe doesn’t need to be for everyone. It’s okay—nay, it’s imperative— to make a space which appeals to whatever niche interests or proclivities you like. The key is to share the aspects of your tribe that make it unique, and let whoever resonates with those ideas to participate.

You can make a space for men like my friend Dominick... and welcome any women with whom the message resonates. More than 50% of Dom’s tribe are women!

Make your tribe inclusively exclusive. Be really clear about what it is about your tribe that makes it unsuitable for nearly everyone, and then be happy to accept an application from almost anyone. Be very wary choosing to exclude people… they’re well equipped to decide what’s right for themselves. You might find that the person who surprises you by wanting to join (the 15 year-old that joins your mindfulness group, or the 70 year-old that joins your team playing League of Legends) is the person who brings the most value to your next meeting.