Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity has taught me a great deal about the world around me that I never knew. This class has taught me the major differences between discrimination, racism, prejudice and inclusion. The biggest issue that I have always had about understanding cultural diversity is specifics. I never knew many specific issues that affect different groups of people.

In the opening of Chapter 1, within the first few pages, I learned about a few of these specifics right out of the gate. There is a reference to Halloween. In it, the reading states that there are even stereotypes during this holiday celebration. With Caucasian people baring “blackface” make-up and wearing stereotypical baggy jeans and gold chains, even an innocent holiday bares the brunt of cultural issues we have in society. (Schaefer, 2012.)

I've learned a great deal about diversity in both the workplace and the outside world, as well. The importance of having a broad range of cultures surrounding us is such a beneficial way to learn about people and the different values, traditions, and thoughts that they have only broaden our education and make us well-rounded individuals. Thanks to many companies becoming more diverse, the same thoughts, ideas and perspectives of thirty years ago are no longer dominate in the workplace. (Workforce Diversity Network, 2008.) The number of female and minority employees has made a steady rise over the years. This is a major reason these narrow-minded views have began to make a major turn-around.

Learning about the individual prejudices we all face with our own personal backgrounds, cultures, races, genders and sexual preferences was an eye-opening experience for me, as well. It is hurtful, no matter how it is spun. I found myself saddened by the individual struggles that are faced. The women that endure sexual harassment, the hatred that African-Americans still frequently face in the South, and the slander that homosexuals have to face all opened my eyes to the still...