“Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together.” This quote by Jacqueline Woodson explains how wonderful diversity is in a society. Diversity is found in ethnic or cultural backgrounds, religion, wealth, gender, statuses, and so much more. Although many people may look for it through vision, it goes so much deeper than that. Diversity can be found in mindsets, in thoughts; in places words cannot explain. I am the type of person who likes to be aware of the situation. When I walk into a gathering or new surroundings, I like to know exactly what is going on. I like to watch how people talk, act, and make themselves comfortable. I may not be the loud person in the group, nor the one who …show more content…
Where some of us may wear glasses, or contacts, Nicholas is completely blind. The only thing he can see is the difference between light and dark. However, his disability does not stop him from doing anything. He is one of the best musicians I know; he plays guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals, and is still intrigued to learn more. His goal in life is to become a musician and go on tours around the world. I support him in everything he does, and am so proud to call him my friend. However, the closer we have gotten, the more he begins to reveal about his life and past. He had it rough growing up as a child. People would pick on him and make “blind” jokes to his face. He was told he was worthless and that he would never amount to anything. People were cruel because he had something different about him. The other day, he called me, saying how he applied online to become a music teacher, and to get a license to start doing private lessons. The happiness in his voice was uncanny. This was something he had been wanting to do for a while, and the money would help him pay for his college education. However, when he checked his email for a response, the person in charge gave him a warning that, he may not make it into the program because he was visually impaired. It had nothing to do with his age, his race, his talent, or his knowledge, but based solely on the fact that he could not see. Once he told me that, I was extremely annoyed. How is it that because of one problem, he is treated so poorly? This man always gets good grades in school, is easy to interact and socialize with, can teach very well, and can learn things at an amazing speed. In that moment, I learned that not enough people truly understand disability or diversity. The more people who can take the time to comprehend the subject, the better it will be for those at the disadvantage. Luckily for him, in the end, he did get the
In today 's world, we humans are expanding across the globe, allowing us to communicate with all different types of people. We need to be diverse in our thinking and communication. Let 's look at the word diversity, it has two meanings: the quality or state of having many different forms, types, idea, etc. Secondly, it is the state of having people of different races or different cultures. Now let 's
The real definition of diversity includes different elements of the identity and culture of each person. Diversity involves cultural differences, such as origins, religious or political affiliation, race, and gender, and other more profound differences, such as experiences and personality. As Banks argues in her research, the real definition involves several elements of our identity (149). Therefore, the way in which we define and conceptualize diversity affects the way in which we interact with people of others culture, race, and affiliations.
Reading my first book for this class, I was really looking forward to it. The book, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, is an interesting book because it touches base on mass incarceration and the caste system. Figuring out that society is on a war on drugs and racism in the justice system is upsetting, and yet interesting. Michelle does a really nice job in organizing the book and presenting the plot. The fact that this book informs and explains arguments, what is happening with the justices system is complete true. Our lives would look complete different; and some of her points are happening. People do not realize getting incarcerated will take some of rights away. This essay will reflect on the book its self, answer questions,
Many individuals have been affected negatively by trouble makers in school. Troublemakers have either disrupted classes or bullied other students. Yes, trouble makers may harm one’s learning environment, but should they be kicked out of school? Though many individuals argue that troublemakers will not change and hold the class down, they should not be kicked out because they need help. Most of these kids that are disobedient do not know the distinction between right and wrong. We should not withdraw trouble makers from school, rather, we should help these troublemakers and teach them right from wrong. In the article “Let’s Really Reform Our Schools” by Anita Garland, she states that American high schools are disasters because there are troublemakers (694). She asserts that the withdrawal of troublemakers in schools would make the learning environment peaceful for students who want to learn
When people hear the word 'diversity', they often think in terms of black and white. I believe the true meaning of diversity is not simply about skin color, economic background or the face value of any other characteristic, rather it is the increased knowledge and sensitivity gained from unique experiences. The strength of diversity then comes from having many points of view and trying to reconcile them by finding common truths or resolving differences amongst people. Being a person of mixed heritage, my father is black and my mother is white, has definitely affected my life and contributed to the development of qualities that enhance my ability to embrace the uniqueness of those around me. Being raised in a single parent household and the values passed on to me by my mother have also been strong influences in my life. My greatest contribution to my community is the ability to create relationships between people of diverse backgrounds and a desire to understand others' beliefs.
There are many policy issues that affect families in today’s society. Hunger is a hidden epidemic and one major issue that American’s still face. It is hard to believe that in this vast, ever growing country, families are still starving. As stated in the book Growing Up Empty, hunger is running wild through urban, rural, and even suburban communities. This paper will explore the differing perspectives of the concerned camp, sanguine camp, and impatient camp. In addition, each camps view, policy agenda, and values that underlie their argument on hunger will be discussed.
The American Dream has never been available to minority citizens as easily as it is to American-born citizens. Affirmative action was first implemented around the year 1972, however it was not widely accepted or practiced. During this time society was just getting used to including women in higher education institutions so the concept of including minorities in higher education was almost non-existent. My Beloved World, by Sonia Sotomayor shows the challenges that a first generation, Puerto Rican, lower socioeconomic female had during this time. Through her autobiography she shows the struggles she faced throughout her life, focusing on her application to college, college experience and insight into her cultural background. My Beloved World present the ideology of White Supremacy and other phenomenon’s such as structural inequality, and socioeconomic inequality that interfere with Sonia’s inability to receive preparation for college and these things show the that America has not made good on its promise of equal opportunity for all.
Racism is not a factor of the heart, according to Tommie Shelby in “Is Racism in the ‘Heart’?” He writes “the ‘heart’ does not have to be involved in order for an action or institution to be racist” (483). Instead, Shelby argues that racism is based on the effect of a person’s actions on deepening racist institutions or promulgating the oppression of a particular group of people based on their race. The individual intention of a person or the “purity” or his or her heart does not take precedence over the effect of his or her actions. Shelby’s argument is constructed as follows: Individual beliefs can be true or false but not inherently immoral. Therefore, it is not appropriate to morally condemn someone for holding a particular belief. However, when the particular belief leads to “race-based hatred...actions...or institutions” that is when it becomes appropriate to hold the individual with the belief morally culpable for racism.
Before watching the video, the sentence “Diversity is upside down” gave me a feeling that there was something wrong with diversity. Now, after watching it, I agree with Andres Tapia when he states that the world overall is upside down. In addition, I also agree with the three practices that Andres Tapia shares to us about how to thrive in upside down next generation diversity. These practices are, first, diversity and inclusion are different. Second, think about diversity in a multidimensional way. Third, inclusion is a skill, not an attitude. Before going further into these practices, I want to state my own definition of diversity. Diversity is variety, acceptance, knowledge, and respect. It is to be different, but similar to others. It is to enjoy different things, such as new languages and new customs. Finally, it is to understand how to adapt and evolve.
American society today is comprised of a rainbow of different people with varying ethnicities, cultural practices, and religious beliefs; there is no wonder we pride ourselves on being an exceedingly diverse country. However, this assumption has been proven false. In the traditional idea of diversity, it can be defined as the integration of various races, cultures and ethnicities, but as authors Brooks and Michaels have acclaimed, diversity includes much more.
Diversity is a notion, when applied to the majority of circumstances, can create a positive conclusion. The trick to producing a positive outcome is often how the different aspects are brought together. Consider a classic dinner combination peas and carrots, the two colors look appealing and the two flavors comes together as one making a superb side dish. Now consider oil and water, these two substance are not often considered a good combination. Although, this is not always the case; olive oil and vinegar (which is water based) when mixed, come together into a delectable salad dressing. Diversity and inclusion should also apply to humans by bringing people together who are different it can creates a whole that is enhanced by the uniqueness of each individual.
In July’s People, Nadine Gordimer gives a very detailed and knowledgeable explanation of the political turmoil within South Africa. By expressing the emotions of a family involved in the deteriorating situation and the misunderstandings between blacks and whites, she adds a very personal and emotional touch, which allows the reader to understand the true horror and terror these people experienced. Gordimer writes of how the Smales family reacts, survives, and adjusts to this life altering experience. She makes obvious throughout the book that prejudice plays a major role in uncovering the reactions of Bamford and Maureen Smales.
As society evolves and changes with the times the concepts of diversity and culture have transformed into a melting pot of ideas. One must take into consideration how a person’s cultural identity, education, economic status, language, and religion shape their perspective of how diversity and culture influences their life.
Social Diversity plays an important role in our community. It has helped us grow and individuals and open each other’s mind. When you become exposed to different ways to live, and see how other cultures carry on then you are no longer closed to the idea that we are all different in some way, and those differences can be meaningful in our lives. When it comes to diversity it also promotes more tolerance. In terms of being tolerant that means diversity can help us accept other cultures, and even adapt some of their ways into our society. The point is, we are all different. Yet the differences that we have between us can be used to strengthen society as we know it. Diversity allows us the opportunity to learn, grow, understand new ways of living, and experience life to the fullest. Without diversity, we are closed off in our own worlds. But with it, we expand our knowledge and we are no longer ignorant. When you are aware of the differences and embrace them, then you have taken the blind fold off to living differently and you are a better person for it. The key is exposure and using what you learned to increase more tolerance and
When most people think “Diversity” they think of the most communal characteristics: such as: Age, race, gender, sexual orientation, body type, ethnicity, and a person’s