ABSTRACT
This study is part of a larger study entitled The VENN View of Diversity: Understanding Differences Through Similarities. The VENN project was initiated as a result of the controversy surrounding the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism. It takes the following positions:
The current debate on diversity and multiculturalism in education has become fractious due to an over-emphasis on differences between groups. What is lost is the realization that people are members of many sub-cultures, and they frequently have as much in common as not. True appreciation of diversity -- and the opportunity to take mutual advantage of it -- can only be achieved after initial unifying bridges of similarity are built. …
The VENN View of Diversity is a series of research projects which examine diversity and conflict from a “common ground” standpoint. Though it takes different forms according to context, the common ground process features dialogue (as opposed to debate) in a search for shared viewpoints. It encourages connective thinking, the sharing of personal experiences, the formulation of genuine questions and a joint activity which emerges from the dialogue.
The Venn projects apply the common ground approach to education. The title for the research theme comes from the VENN diagram, which depicts the relationship between two concepts or categories. Normally presented by two or more circles which overlap, it describes in graphic form the differences and similarities between the concepts. The diagram was developed by John Venn in the 19th century.
VENN features a series of studies whose central theme is perception of cross-cultural commonalities.
(Levy, 1997 pp. 1, 4)