Workplace Diversity

Value of Diversity in the Workplace

Taneishia Gordon

Cultural Diversity/SOC 315

August. 16, 2010

Instructor: Jennifer Hudgins

In the wake of 9/11/01, I was employed at Newark International Airport. I was working an agent at the Continental Airlines counter. As one can imagine working at the airport anytime from 9/11 and beyond has been a struggle. It was a job filled with stress and turmoil. During that time, everyone had their personal radars up for someone who they thought might have been suspect. Therefore, every person who was or appeared to be Middle Eastern was frowned upon as if they were a terrorist. Without reason, some airport staff made assumptions and treated anyone who did not look or speak like an American feel like an outsider. Most days there were arguments and disagreement, which could have easily resulted in blows. However, being that the airport staff had the upper hand; most passengers would make peace, so that they could board their flight and reach their destination.

After 9/11, everyone needed some form of therapy or counseling. We lost many staff out of fear of working in the airport. Many employees were out of work on stress leave, or some just quit. Therapy was offered to help us cope with the tragedy, move forward with our lives, and leave the fears behind us. In addition to therapy, we all had to go through extensive training. The training taught us new safety measures because of the changes in security. We were trained on how to deal with difficult customers and how to create a safe and peaceful environment. The training taught us to respect the Middle Eastern people as we did prior to 9/11. The training were created to enhance diversity. Because we dealt with so many different races and cultures, the training was broad. However, the focus was on muslims and people from Middle Eastern countries. We were trained not to treat a woman in a hijab, any differently than...