IDIC - how it fits now...

[StarCruiser]

I know there have been some discussions of this concept here (many times) but, right now - with all of the wrongs on this world (some of which MAY be righted soon) this concept needs to be repeated:

IDIC - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations

"The glory of creation is in its infinite diversity."

"And the ways our differences combine to create meaning and beauty."
-- Miranda and Spock, "Is There In Truth No Beauty?"

“Until humans learn to tolerate -- no, that’s not enough; to positively value each other -- until we can value the diversity here on Earth, then we don’t deserve to go into outer space and encounter the infinite diversity out there.” -- Gene Roddenberry

(Quotes from here - https://fanlore.org/wiki/IDIC_(glossary_term))

There have been many arguments from - less enlightened - people on the internet that claim that it justifies their own non-inclusive attitudes. Clearly, people that literally don't understand the concept at all.

We, as a species, really need to embrace such a simple idea of accepting each other and embracing our differences (except intolerance - since that's antithetical to the whole thing).

 

[Tenacity]

When anyone who is the tiniest bit different from you is automatically labeled a Nazi, this isn't going to happen.

 

[Locutus of Bored]

When anyone who is the tiniest bit different from you is automatically labeled a Nazi, this isn't going to happen.

People don't get labeled Nazis for being the "tiniest bit different" from someone. They get labeled that because they actively advocate for the suppression (or worse) of the very diversity being discussed here.

Saying everyone's ideas should be respected equally even when those ideas seek to bring an end to other people's rights and very existence is a great way to ensure the destruction of diversity, not its preservation.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

I have always proposed that for Vulcans IDIC was about.. fractals. Or something similar. Because they sure don't do well with diversity of actual people.

 

[comsol]

I have always proposed that for Vulcans IDIC was about.. fractals. Or something similar. Because they sure don't do well with diversity of actual people.

I thought IDIC was about merchandising...

 

[Gary Mitchell]

I thought IDIC was about merchandising...

 

[RandyS]

I thought IDIC was about merchandising...

No, that's Star Trek.

 

[Sgt_G]

Just imagine the toys were could have had if IDIC was part of STAR WARS!

 

[fireproof78]

We, as a species, really need to embrace such a simple idea of accepting each other and embracing our differences (except intolerance - since that's antithetical to the whole thing).

Indeed, yes.

I was reading a book the other day and stumbled upon an old speech by George H. W. Bush. I was struck by how topical it was for today. Agree or disagree but let us be in dialog.

Ironically, on the 200th anniversary of our Bill of Rights, we find free speech under assault throughout the United States, including on some college campuses. The notion of political correctness has ignited controversy across the land, and although the movement arises from the laudable desire to sweep away the debris of racism and sexism and hatred, it replaces old prejudice with new ones. It declares certain topics off limits, certain expression off limits, even certain gestures off limits. What began as a crusade for civility has soured into a cause of conflict and even censorship.

Disputants treat sheer force, getting their foes punished or expelled for instance, as a substitute for the power of ideas. Throughout history, attempts to micro-manage casual conversation have only incited distrust. They've invited people to look for an insult in every word, gesture, action, and in their own Orwellian way, crusades that demand correct behavior crush diversity in the name of diversity. We all should be alarmed at the rise of intolerance in our land and by the growing tendency to use intimidation rather than reason in settling disputes.

Neighbors who disagree no longer settle matters over a cup of coffee. They hire lawyers, and they go to court. And political extremists roam the land abusing the privilege of free speech setting citizens against one another on the basis of their class or race. But, you see, such bullying is outrageous. It's not worthy of a great nation grounded in the values of tolerance and respect. And so let us fight back against the boring politics of division and derision. Let's trust our friends and colleagues to respond to reason.

As Americans, we must use our persuasive powers to conquer bigotry once and for all, and we must, and I remind myself a lot of this, we must conquer the temptation to assign bad motives to people who disagree with us. If we hope to make full use of the optimism I discussed earlier, men and women must feel free to speak their hearts and minds. We must build a society in which people can join in common cause without having to surrender their identities.

You can lead the way. Share your thoughts and your experiences and your hopes and your frustrations. Defend others' rights to speak. And, if harmony be our goal, let's pursue harmony, not inquisition.