Diversity
Chapter 7
The Basics
• The world is rapidly being
transformed into a global
community where the
interconnection of
information and resources
is becoming more
important.
• The primary focus of getting
in education is to open your
mind
– It isn’t about loving everyone
who is different, it is about
appreciating their differences
The Diversity Wheel
Dimensions of Diversity
• Primary v. Secondary Dimensions
– Primary
• Those human differences that are inborn and/or that
exert an important impact on our early socialization
• We have little control over these things, we can try to
mask them but we can’t really change them
– Secondary
• Differences that are acquired, discarded, and/or
modified throughout our lives
• We tend to pursue these things because of our
interests
The “Iceberg”
How do we talk about the tough topics?
DISCUSSING DIVERSITY ISSUES
Stereotypes
• A preconceived or
oversimplified
generalization about an
entire group of people
without regard for
individual differences.
• Stereotypes can be
positive or negative
Prejudice
• Everyone has been
guilty of prejudicial
thinking at some point
in their lives.
• “pre-judging” a person
or group usually on the
basis of characteristics
such as race, gender,
sexual orientation,
religion or age.
Discrimination
• Simply means “to
distinguish between”
• Socially this is to make a
distinction between
people on the basis of
class or category
without regard for
individual merit.
Hate Crimes
• Acts of discrimination in
the extreme can lead to
violence and hate crimes.
• These crimes are different
from other crimes in that
the offender is sending a
message to members of a
certain group that they
are unwelcome (Siasoco,
1999).
So how do we deal with so many different people?
DEVELOPING DIVERSITY SKILLS
Developing Diversity Skills
• Figuring out the
“concept” of diversity
can be tough.
– Diversity is about them,
not me
– Diversity &
multiculturalism are
pulling America apart
Point To Remember
• The United States is less
of a “melting pot” and
more of a “salad bowl”
– You can enjoy the
individual elements of a
salad bar alone, but the
salad is much more tasty
when you enjoy all the
flavors together!
Developing Cultural Competence
• Culture
– A distinctive pattern of
beliefs and values that
develop among a group
of people who share the
same social heritage and
traditions.
• Cultural Competence
– The knowledge of others
backgrounds, histories,
customs, and
perspectives.
Increasing Your Personal Sensitivity
1.
Interact with people from
backgrounds that are
different than yours.
2.
Utilize travel and study
abroad.
3.
Enroll in a course that studies
other cultures and customs
4.
Attend campus events on
topics of global concerns.