Most Americans understand that diversity is important in our society. But few are aware of its background and why it is important. And few understand the associated challenges. If Americans had a better understanding of these issues, we might be able to better work together to improve our society.

Most nations have a homogeneous population in terms of culture, religion, beliefs, practices, race, etc. A small percentage of these people control wealth and power for their benefit. The United States of America was never intended to follow this ancient model. Our founders intended to form a very different type of society, not based on a homogeneous population controlled by a few, but one with many people from different backgrounds involved in governing.

An early vision of America can be found in a speech delivered by Dr. David Ramsay on July 4, 1778, in Charleston, S.C. Ramsay’s view of our new nation was based on principles of justice and liberty without the influence of an aristocracy like that in England. This type of nation would encourage an influx of people from nations based on the old model involving an aristocracy and a homogeneous population.

Of course, in 1778 there were probably some African slaves listening to his words about liberty and justice for all, saying, “I know that’s not right” because we had not yet expanded our vision to include all people from all parts of the world. Ramsay’s diversity referred to white people from northern European nations such as England, France, Germany and those in Scandinavia.

Why is having a diverse population better than having a homogeneous one? Having a homogeneous population and keeping it homogeneous requires limiting thinking, expression and behavior, and limiting the types of people entering the nation in terms of culture and so on. This type of social environment limits thinking, expression and behavior that might be different from the national standards.

History is full of examples of free thinkers being suppressed. For example, the Christian church was going to kill Galileo and Martin Luther for their views. These are but two historically important people, but the same type of thought policing is true among common people in a homogeneous population.

There are many challenges associated with having a diverse population, as has been exhibited throughout American history. Consider the conflict between the settlers and Native Americans, or the conflict as Irish — and then Italian — immigrants settled into New York. Consider the challenges that had to be overcome by Asians settling on the West Coast and by Hispanics around the United States. And the problems faced by descendants of black slaves are well documented.

Why do we continue to strive toward a diverse American population if it causes all these problems? We do this because our freedom to think, express and behave has resulted in the development of the most creative, innovative and richest nation in the history of the world.

If we had attempted to have a homogeneous population with limited thinking, we would never have achieved what we have today.

Joseph L. Bass, Ed.D. is the executive director of ABetterSociety.Info Inc., a nonprofit organization in Hobson. Email him at ABetterSociety1@aol.com.