In “Diversity – A Different History of Humanity,” the journalist puts common historical images to the test. Contrary to the assumption that diversity is a contemporary phenomenon that arose through feminism, migration or current socio-political movements, Llanque argues that diversity has existed in human societies at all times.
Using numerous historical examples from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire to the present, she demonstrates that ideas about gender, social origin, power or belonging have always been changeable and culturally different. For example, Llanque refers to Julius Caesar, whose personal hygiene rituals contradict today’s images of masculinity, to the politically influential Empress Agrippina the Younger, or to Stone Age women who hunted. Social disadvantage and the interaction of various inequalities do not appear to be modern phenomena, but rather as historically grown structures.
A central argument of the author is that today’s demands for recognition, participation and visibility do not represent radical breaks with history. They build on realities that have long been marginalized or actively suppressed. Morgane Llanque shows how historical narratives are deliberately simplified in order to present homogeneous social orders as “natural”.
Stylistically, she combines historical analysis with political classification and avoids polemics. She argues clearly, with a view to current debates, without forcing them into the foreground. She succeeds in making history visible as an open and conflict-filled process with diverse perspectives.
The book offers a factual, accessible and stimulating re-examination of the past. Social diversity is not an exception, but a fundamental feature of human history.
Review: Sabine Delorme
Morgane Llanque
Diversity – Another story of humanity
Droemer Verlag, 304 pages, €24
ISBN 978-3-426-56507-0