Deep Diversity: Overcoming Us vs. Them

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Next Deep Diversity: Leadership Skills for Inclusive Workplaces
will be online Winter, 2021

Please note:

A new edition of the book is being written (expected 2021) and copies are no longer available. We no longer have any stock left so cannot process any book requests.

“Honest and disarming…this book’s framework is both original and needed.”
– Mahzarin R. Banaji, Harvard University

What if our interactions with those different than us are strongly influenced by things happening below the radar of awareness, hidden even from ourselves? Deep Diversity explores this question and argues that “Us-versus-Them” is an unfortunate but normal part of the human experience due to reasons of both nature and nurture—and this is especially true regarding issues of race.

Deep Diversity seeks to reframe the debate regarding racism and systemic discrimination in a practical, scientific and compassionate manner, sorely needed as Us/Them feelings escalate following race-based shootings in the US as well as the politically motivated murder of soldiers in Canada or journalists in Paris.

Many are calling Deep Diversity a “breakthrough book” on race. And an unusually wide spectrum of endorsements attest to its unique quality, including testimonials from leaders in bias research, psychology, racial justice, Indigenous rights, business, neuroscience, sports and mindfulness meditation.

Part 3. The Hole in Racial Justice: Alloys of Social Justice

This is Part 3 in a series of articles designed to encourage community dialogue regarding cleaning up our own house with regards to racial/ social justice education so we can be more effective and compassionate, both within justice-based communities … [Read More...] about Part 3. The Hole in Racial Justice: Alloys of Social Justice

Part 2. The Hole in Racial Justice: The Master’s Tools Won’t Build the Bridge

This is Part 2 in a series of articles designed to encourage community dialogue regarding cleaning up our own house when it comes to racial/social justice education so we can be more effective and compassionate, both within justice-based communities, … [Read More...] about Part 2. The Hole in Racial Justice: The Master’s Tools Won’t Build the Bridge

Part 1. The Hole in Racial Justice: A Love Letter

Also available as a downloadable PDF. The next 2 articles in this series: Part 2. The Hole in Racial Justice: The Master’s Tools Won’t Build the Bridge Part 3. The Hole in Racial Justice: Alloys of Social … [Read More...] about Part 1. The Hole in Racial Justice: A Love Letter

His words are honest and disarming and the book’s framework is both original and needed.

Shakil Choudhury presents a uniquely accessible combination of personal observations and scientific evidence to make a convincing case for Deep Diversity. His words are honest and disarming and the book’s framework is both original and needed. This book will make you think hard and think better about what's good for you, your organization and society at large.

Mahzarin R BanajI, Co-founder of Project Implicit
Richard Clarke Cabot Professor of Social Ethics, Department of Psychology, Harvard University and Co-author of Blindspot: Hidden Biases in Good People (2013)

A breakthrough book about how to achieve the kind of racial equity that goes far beyond traditional notions of “diversity.”

Shakil Choudhury has written a breakthrough book about how to achieve the kind of racial equity that goes far beyond traditional notions of "diversity." In his deep dive, he grapples with the implications of several decades of neuroscience, reflecting on the role of emotion in racial matters, while still grounded in systems, rules, and power. Everyone working on race issues should read this book. Even when you don't agree, you will be provoked to think harder about the enormity of our challenge, and how to generate the emotional, as well as intellectual, fortitude to meet that challenge.

Rinku Sen
Executive Director, Race Forward
Publisher, Colorlines

Choudury’s text offers straightforward tools that can help everyone assess their own innate reactions in any situation

Working in sports, issues of race and cultural biases often come into play when determining how to approach some of the issues that shape the socio-political aspects of the industry. Choudury's text offers straightforward tools that can help everyone assess their own innate reactions in any situation. More than that, it's a great read--the book derives its heart from its author, who writes scientifically but very personally, confronting his own discriminatory reactions as unflinchingly as he asks us to do, and effortlessly straddles the line between insightful analysis and compelling narrative.

Jordan Heath-Rawlings
Deputy Editor, Sportsnet magazine

Deep Diversity emphasizes the importance of relationships and compassion

I sincerely wish this book had been written 10 years ago. I saw myself in many of the experiences and struggles described, as I'm sure many of my equity colleagues will. I was in tears twice reading this - it really got to the core of why this work is so difficult, and why it's so rewarding…Deep Diversity emphasizes the importance of relationships and compassion, principles I have always maintained are keys to equity work…I found this book not only helpful but hopeful. Miigwetch for sharing this.

Donna Gerber, Aboriginal Liaison & Recruitment Manager, Niagara College