«We need to keep a cool head when confronted with controversial opinions»

The word "diversity" is on everyone's lips today. What does it mean to you?

Ganga Jey Aratnam: We use this term to try and take a fresh look at the differences in our society. Differentiating between groups often goes hand in hand with devaluing one particular group. The idea of diversity helps us to bring our differences together on another level and take away what separates us.

Can you give us an example?

People with red hair used to receive a lot of discrimination. Nowadays, hair colour barely plays a role as a distinguishing feature. We would achieve a great deal if we could do something similar with regard to people's origin, religion and sexual orientation.

How diverse is Switzerland today?

We live in a country that has experienced – and continues to experience – a strong surge in diversity. This applies not only to the immigration of people from all over the world, but also to social achievements such as women's liberation and gay marriage. Society has become considerably more open since the 1990s.

Why do you think that is?

One reason is the fact that, in 52% of all marriages, at least one of the spouses doesn't have a Swiss passport. This means diversity can now be found in many households – and on our plates, too. My Swiss mother-in-law can tell you a thing or two about that!

Why?

She's stopped getting bacon bits out at family gatherings because my brother-in-law married an Afghan woman – and because I'm vegetarian. (He laughs)

In to the GDI study, two-thirds of respondents said that most people have a lot in common, in spite of all the differences. Is diversity a part of Switzerland's DNA?

Yes, our state was founded on the basis of linguistic, cultural and religious diversity. There is a willingness to unite and overcome differences. In addition, Switzerland has always taken care of the weakest members of society.

Nevertheless, this growing diversity is also causing tension.

In the past, we had diverse groups of people living alongside one another. Today, these diverse groups must learn to live with one another. Some people fear losing previously hard-earned rights, such as equality for women. We have to renegotiate our identity.

Is there such a thing as "too much" diversity?

Rapid change can be overwhelming. It is therefore important for cohesion that everyone is guided by universal human rights – including those who come here from other cultures. At the same time, we need to raise public awareness about protecting minorities, for example by ensuring that public transport is wheelchair-friendly.

What does it take for this process to succeed?

Switzerland has learnt to view diversity as an opportunity. If not, we wouldn't be the number-one country for innovation. But we also need to keep a cool head when faced with controversial opinions. The GDI study has shown that a small proportion of our population rejects homosexuality. We have to live with that reality. The key is that we all actively participate in democracy.