Plywood is stronger than natural wood. This is because of the multiple layers, each with the grain going a different direction. This lets it handle force that would snap a piece of wood where all the grain run the same way.
The same is true of societies.
Embrace the differences - they make you stronger.
@Mrysdale @stuartblair
Yes, I should have added the qualifier that these are connected layers that make up plywood. Thin sheets of wood, cross-grained but unconnected, are stronger than thin homogenous sheets but nowhere near as strong as laminated sheets. The real trick to strength is being able to connect to your weird neighbor even if you disagree with them.
@stuartblair @Ulf
Remember when we were taught about the "food chain" and now it's the "web" for environmental connections? Plywood is a good metaphor, but not perfect. The paradigm is that strength in unity comes from diversity - and that's not a contradiction.