Written by Noah Carl.
There has been a trend in recent years of Western politicians proclaiming that “diversity is our strength”. Examples can be found as far back as the 1980s (and probably earlier), but the slogan really gained prominence during the Great Awokening. An early example from this era is Barack Obama’s statement in support of immigration reform on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo in 2010. “Today reminds us that America’s diversity is America’s strength,” he announced.
Five years later, Justin Trudeau developed an entire speech around the slogan, which he gave at Canada’s famous High Commission in London. “The importance of diversity can sometimes be taken for granted,” he declared. “But there is no doubt that we’re a better country—a stronger, more successful country—because of it.” He went on to say that “diversity isn’t a challenge to be overcome or a difficulty to be tolerated” but is in fact a “tremendous source of strength”.
Last year, the Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg was at it. In a frankly bizarre speech for “International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia”, he stated that “NATO’s strength is our diversity” and we must therefore “reflect and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of our populations”. Stoltenberg added that “I value every member of the LGBTQ+ community” and “I am proud to call myself your ally”.
