Finding our Common Ground
Amid this diversity, however, we are bound by a common identity: humanity. Research shows that emphasizing what we share, rather than what divides us, helps reduce bias and strengthen communities. Humanity is the undeniable identity that unites us, even amid our many differences. We are all human even though we live in a society that is prone to categorize and label. Identities are combinations of biological and social traits that are distributed over a continuous range, which means that identities that are different are still usually overlapping on some dimension. Our diverse identities enrich the community, but it is our shared humanity that provides the universal foundation and common ground we all stand on.
As you encounter new people in the weeks ahead—each bringing unique backgrounds, perspectives, and values—remember that our first step is to see one another as human. According to research on intergroup contact theory, positive interactions across different groups can significantly reduce prejudice, particularly as people see each other as individuals rather than just group members. In a deeply polarizing world, where our differences tend to overshadow our common identity, we must ensure we encounter people as humans first, not reducing them to just their race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. This doesn't mean we ignore these important aspects of who they are, but rather that we approach each person with genuine curiosity about their full humanity. This will go a long way in helping us learn about the values and experiences that make them who they are.
As a collective working to create a more inclusive and welcoming community, we must view one another first through the lens of our shared humanity, while also honoring the unique perspectives their diverse identities bring. Whether in classrooms and laboratories, offices and studios, cafés and dining halls, libraries and performance spaces – or anywhere else on campus – we must treat every person as a whole human being whose experiences and identities contribute to the richness and diversity of our community.
