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Diversity is a threatening idea. 

 

Roughgarden and Grobstein are both successful in highlighting the differences inherent in our gender binary while presenting an argument that’s focused on genetic diversity. Diversity however is still seen by many as threatening. As a society we tend to seek conformity. When socializing we are usually drawn to those individuals that are most similar to us. In the end we are comforted not by the differences we share with our peers but by our similarities. Consequently, diversity within a given population is viewed as a threat by those of us who have trouble leaving our bubble of conformity.

 

How do we move away from viewing diversity as a threatening ideal? Is Roughgarden’s attempt to simply make us aware of these differences enough to ease our fears? If not would it be best for us to utilize another tactic other than awareness to encourage more widespread acceptance of diversity? 

 

Overall we must use caution when approaching the topic of diversity between the sexes. When emphasizing difference between the sexes we are simultaneously strengthening the constrictive system of a gender binary. Instead of advocating for a system that polarizes the sexes it would be best to move towards a system of inclusion. Adopting a new system of inclusion would prevent us from continuing the restrictive practice of comparing differences. It would make more sense to identify differences for what they are instead of using them as tools for comparison. Furthermore, it is of the utmost importance that we treat these differences as their own individual entities. By this I mean that we should focus on the uniqueness of each difference while making sure not to emphasize the polarity between both objects of comparison (i.e. differences between the sexes). 

 

All things considered, difference is natural, especially when it comes to our gender binary. However, despite the progress we have made thus far in welcoming diversity, we must continue to deconstruct the very system that limits our understanding/acceptance of difference between the sexes.