appreciating diversity
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APPRECIATING<br />
DIVERSITY
APPRECIATING DIVERSITY<br />
The world is becoming a truly global and diverse place to live, work, and play. Diversity is often<br />
confused as only race or ethnicity but it actually also encompasses gender, age, sexual<br />
orientation, physical ability, religious beliefs, learning styles, physical appearance, economic<br />
level, and others. Many things make us different and contribute to <strong>diversity</strong>.<br />
Many people feel more comfortable with people, places, and things which are familiar.<br />
Remember discussing “comfort zones”. However, as a contributing member of society it is<br />
essential that we all use critical thinking to assess our assumptions, judgments and views about<br />
differences in people. Building cultural sensitivity is the foundation for building common ground<br />
with diverse groups.
APPRECIATING<br />
DIVERSITY<br />
Terminology to<br />
understand:
APPRECIATING<br />
DIVERSITY<br />
Thinking about<br />
<strong>diversity</strong>: If you could shrink<br />
the earth’s population to a village of<br />
precisely 100 females and males,<br />
but maintain the existing<br />
demographic ratios, the world<br />
would look like this:<br />
•57 Asians<br />
•21 Europeans<br />
•14 Western Hemisphere dwellers (North and South Americans)<br />
•8 Africans<br />
•70 non-whites<br />
•30 whites<br />
•70 non-Christians<br />
•30 Christians<br />
•70 unable to read<br />
•50 malnourished<br />
•80 living in substandard housing<br />
•1 university graduate<br />
•50% of the world wealth would be in the hands of 6 people, all<br />
citizens of the United States
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO THE<br />
CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY<br />
Become aware of your own feelings and beliefs. If they are<br />
negative feelings try to determine their source and use your<br />
critical thinking skills. Be willing to honestly admit your prejudices.<br />
See the value in <strong>diversity</strong>. Our wealth as a nation comes from the<br />
wide range of origins of our citizens and their varied points of<br />
view. By sharing different viewpoints you can learn new and<br />
interesting ways of seeing situations, people, and solving<br />
problems…and don’t forget the food!<br />
Treat people as individuals and with respect. You can change your<br />
attitudes and behaviors. Focus on similarities and find things of<br />
interest you have in common with people from different<br />
backgrounds.<br />
Listen! Be curious and ask questions “That is an interesting view<br />
point. How did you develop it? What experiences shaped your<br />
beliefs?”<br />
Get involved. Take a course or workshop or read a book about a<br />
different culture, a different religion, world events, etc. Be willing<br />
to seek out and engage people from different backgrounds.<br />
Take risks! Set an example! Don’t avoid contact with other cultures<br />
because you are afraid of making a mistake, saying the wrong<br />
thing, or offending someone. Explain your concerns, share<br />
information about your culture, and build bridges. Apologize if you<br />
do make a mistake. The more you practice the more comfortable<br />
you will become with <strong>diversity</strong> and the more bridges you build the<br />
better the communication and understanding will be.<br />
Speak out with respect and commitment whenever you hear or<br />
see others engaged in prejudice. Ask others to join you when you<br />
celebrate <strong>diversity</strong>.<br />
Travel or study in a different country…it can change your life and<br />
dispel poor opinions people have of your culture.