The Rabbi and The Shrink

#19: Rabbi Daniel Lapin - Diversity in the Context of Unity

July 08, 2021 Rabbi Yonason Goldson and Dr. Margarita Gurri, CSP Episode 29
The Rabbi and The Shrink
#19: Rabbi Daniel Lapin - Diversity in the Context of Unity
Show Notes

Is it iconoclastic or wicked to question the value of diversity?

Why do we struggle to value innate talents over superficial appearance or identity?

Have well-intentioned but misguided policies contributed to contemporary problems?


These and other compelling questions will be addressed in rough and tumble conversation when Rabbi Daniel Lapin joins the Rabbi and the Shrink.


https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabbi-daniel-lapin/

https://rabbidaniellapin.com/



2:00  The synergy between theology and psychology

Is diversity a moral imperative?


Is it iconoclastic or wicked to question the value of diversity?

Diversity of opinion and outlook is critical and more significant than mere identity

Does a cohesive community gain or suffer from diverse values?


10:00 Should we rather address systemic otherism?

How do we deal with the tension between finding common values and encouraging different perspectives?

Why do we struggle to value innate talents over superficial appearance or identity?


17:00 Diversity in testimony in court to protect against unconscious bias

In team activity, brothers’ innate knowledge of one another is an advantage

The way others label us provides us with insights about the “other”


23:00  How do we celebrate diversity independent of skin color

Is cultural appropriation an expression of tribalism?

The culture of language

Some things are not fair… that’s the way of the world


Kindness is the antidote to resentment

We have to accept the unpleasant realities of the past and try to move forward

Have well-intentioned but misguided policies contributed to contemporary problems?

Traditional values help us move forward in prosperity and well-being


34:00  Nelson Mandela taught reconciliation rather than retribution

Don’t fixate on fairness; make the most of what you have

Jonathan Haidt: emphasizing differences increases divisions


A the blood level, we are all the same


38:00  Change the world by changing yourself

Private enterprise provides the greatest opportunity to benefit society

“You are your own worst enemy.”  Face that and build yourself up.

Better the world by becoming one of the poor?


All we have control over is ourselves.

It’s so much easier to try to fix other people


48:  Word of the day: Irrefragable -- not able to be refuted or disproved; indisputable

Unanimity is a clue that we’ve missed something important


Shalom translates best as “harmony” -- different pieces playing different parts fused together 

Diversity in the context of unity

The sons of Jacob were very different, and their differences became a source of strength