Vive la différence - Hurray for the difference (between men and women). This jocular approval of diversity dates from the mid-twentieth century, at least for use by English-speaking individuals. The New York Times had it in an article on men and women jockeys in 1969: “The male riders . . . continue to bellow ‘Vive la Différence.’” It also has been extended to differences other than gender, as in the Manchester Guardian’s seeming truism (1964), “‘Vive la différence’ Tories are recognizably Tories, and Socialists are demonstrably Socialists.”
Synonyms:
- Hail the contrast: Celebrating the delightful contrasts
- Embrace the differences: Accepting and valuing diversity
- Here’s to diversity: Cheers to the rich variety among people
Antonyms:
- Conflation: Blurring or combining distinct elements to the point of losing their unique characteristics
- Monochrome: Lack of diversity or variation
Related Terms and Phrases:
- Variety is the spice of life: Life is more interesting and enjoyable when it includes many different things.
- Opposites attract: Suggests that people who are different from each other can find each other appealing.
- Different strokes for different folks: Different people have different tastes and interests.
- March to the beat of a different drummer: Following one’s own ideas rather than conforming to societal expectations.
- Celebrate uniqueness: Honoring what makes each individual distinctive.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “If everyone’s thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” - George S. Patton
- “I refuse to be extraordinary! It makes no sense to strive for a mediocre excellence!” - Nicole Eskuri
Inspirational Stories and Literature:
- Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee - Celebrates differing perspectives and promotes empathy.
- Book: “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley - Explores the idea of social conditioning and the loss of individuality.
- Movie: “Dead Poets Society” - Emphasizes the importance of thinking differently and seizing the day.
- Poem: “Ode to Diversity” - An original composition praising the beauty of diversity in culture and thought.
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Embrace your quirks. Celebrate your passions. Honour differences and champion diversity. Vive la différence! 🌍🎨✨
### Which is synonymous with 'Vive la différence'?
- [ ] Homogenize the world
- [x] Celebrate uniqueness
- [ ] Standardize everything
- [ ] Conform to norms
> **Explanation:** Celebrating uniqueness is synonymous with 'Vive la différence' as it involves recognizing and valuing differences.
### True or False: 'March to the beat of a different drummer' means seeking conformity.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It means to follow one’s own path rather than adhering to societal norms.
### Which one is an idiom related to 'Vive la différence'?
- [x] Variety is the spice of life
- [ ] Swimming with the current
- [ ] Going with the herd
- [ ] Copycat culture
> **Explanation:** "Variety is the spice of life" is related as it highlights the appeal of diversity.
### What does 'Opposites attract' suggest?
- [x] People who are different can find each other appealing.
- [ ] Everyone should be the same.
- [ ] There's only one right way to be.
- [ ] Differences should be avoided.
> **Explanation:** It suggests that differences can be appealing and valuable in relationships.
