Diverse people are those who recognize that stereotypes are inherently a part of us and work around them. They hang around, hoping dearly that when we complete the Human Genome Project in 2003 that we won't switch off the fight or flight imprinting gene that gives stereotypes their power. In ancient times, stereotypes were essential for our survival. A child of imprinting, they allowed the human brain to classify and recognize dangers. The first caveman learned pretty quickly that all lions would eat him.
Lion equals death.
People, on the other hand, are a different story. Unlike lions, we have evolved into a planet of 6 billion souls who speak more languages than there are days in a year. Our diversity is unparalleled. The are like gall bladders and appendices, children of evolution who have outlived their usefulness and hang around only to cause us problems. So, for today's lesson.