appreciating diversity

APPRECIATING
DIVERSITY

APPRECIATING DIVERSITY
The world is becoming a truly global and diverse place to live, work, and play. Diversity is often
confused as only race or ethnicity but it actually also encompasses gender, age, sexual
orientation, physical ability, religious beliefs, learning styles, physical appearance, economic
level, and others. Many things make us different and contribute to diversity.
Many people feel more comfortable with people, places, and things which are familiar.
Remember discussing “comfort zones”. However, as a contributing member of society it is
essential that we all use critical thinking to assess our assumptions, judgments and views about
differences in people. Building cultural sensitivity is the foundation for building common ground
with diverse groups.

APPRECIATING
DIVERSITY
Terminology to
understand:

APPRECIATING
DIVERSITY
Thinking about
diversity: If you could shrink
the earth’s population to a village of
precisely 100 females and males,
but maintain the existing
demographic ratios, the world
would look like this:
•57 Asians
•21 Europeans
•14 Western Hemisphere dwellers (North and South Americans)
•8 Africans
•70 non-whites
•30 whites
•70 non-Christians
•30 Christians
•70 unable to read
•50 malnourished
•80 living in substandard housing
•1 university graduate
•50% of the world wealth would be in the hands of 6 people, all
citizens of the United States

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO THE
CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY
Become aware of your own feelings and beliefs. If they are
negative feelings try to determine their source and use your
critical thinking skills. Be willing to honestly admit your prejudices.
See the value in diversity. Our wealth as a nation comes from the
wide range of origins of our citizens and their varied points of
view. By sharing different viewpoints you can learn new and
interesting ways of seeing situations, people, and solving
problems…and don’t forget the food!
Treat people as individuals and with respect. You can change your
attitudes and behaviors. Focus on similarities and find things of
interest you have in common with people from different
backgrounds.
Listen! Be curious and ask questions “That is an interesting view
point. How did you develop it? What experiences shaped your
beliefs?”
Get involved. Take a course or workshop or read a book about a
different culture, a different religion, world events, etc. Be willing
to seek out and engage people from different backgrounds.
Take risks! Set an example! Don’t avoid contact with other cultures
because you are afraid of making a mistake, saying the wrong
thing, or offending someone. Explain your concerns, share
information about your culture, and build bridges. Apologize if you
do make a mistake. The more you practice the more comfortable
you will become with diversity and the more bridges you build the
better the communication and understanding will be.
Speak out with respect and commitment whenever you hear or
see others engaged in prejudice. Ask others to join you when you
celebrate diversity.
Travel or study in a different country…it can change your life and
dispel poor opinions people have of your culture.