Health

Taylor Staley

Professor M. T. Sparks

LE 1360

6 March 2013

Diversity Within: Meanings & Relations

Diversity could have different meanings to people of a different race, culture, or ethnic background. According to the textbook Diversity Consciousness: Opening Our Minds to People, Cultures, and Opportunities by Richard D. Bucher, the definition of diversity is “referring to all the ways in which people are different”(1). The dictionary definition of diversity, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “the condition of having or being composed of different elements” (“Diversity” def. 1). Although these definitions could both be correct, one definition of diversity may seem more correct than another to a certain group or individual. The way diversity is defined is dependent upon interpretation and in which way an idea is perceived. For instance, the textbook definition is stating the differences, both inside and outside, of a person. Whereas, the Webster’s definition of diversity is mainly looking at how the person was composed and what, exactly, their makeup is.

There are many ways in which diversity can be used, understood, or perceived by different individuals (Bucher 25). Some people may think that diversity means “tolerance, acceptance, and attitude” of another being, whereas others will think that diversity means “inclusion, numbers, racial/gender differences”. As was said above, the whole view on diversity is dependent on the way things are perceived by an individual.

Diversity has certain dimensions. Some of these dimensions include, but are not limited to: hidden or visible dimensions, dimensions found within groups as well as within individuals, dimensions being in a constant state of “flux”, not always clear cut or easily defined dimensions, and interrelated dimensions. Beginning with hidden or visible dimensions (Bucher 26), now what does this mean? Some dimensions of diversity can be visibly seen, such as skin color or gender. But there are others...