What's the problem with tolerating diversity?

What's the problem with tolerating diversity?

From Two Inconvenient Women by ThoughtBox Education

June 5, 2026 · 1h 0m · Season 6 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity while addressing the issues surrounding the concept of tolerance.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lorde  Across the world we're seeing polarisation, division and othering increase - exacerbated by political decisions which fuel division and a dismissal of difference. And at the same time, we're seeing a rise in diversity in communities, in the workplace, in communities, in mindsets, and a growing appreciation that the health and resilience of any community lies in its diversity. In this week's podcast, we celebrate the wonder of diversity and difference, from cultural to psychological to ecological and everything in between. We discuss the issues surrounding the word 'tolerance' and the hierarchical othering that it connotates; explore some of the qualities of fear that keep us divided and reflect on the power, resourcing and resilient qualities that any system which is diverse brings. In the conversation we reference the following: The Danger of a single story - Chimamanda Adiche (TED Talk video) The Tyranny of the should - Karen Horny (article) Betwixt The Sheets - A History of Homophobia - Kate Lister with guest Dr Harry Tanner (podcast) The…

Topics covered

  • diversity
  • polarization
  • acceptance
  • community health
  • resilience
  • cultural differences

Keywords

  • diversity
  • tolerance
  • polarization
  • community
  • acceptance
  • resilience
  • cultural differences
  • psychological diversity
  • ecological diversity

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