Diversity Chapter 12 Thriving in Diverse Environments Diversity

Diversity Chapter 12

Thriving in Diverse Environments • Diversity ▫ Difference in social and cultural identities ▫ Understanding perspectives on diversity requires: �Self-assessment �Discovery �Open-mindedness

Thriving in Diverse Environments (continued) • Ethnicity, culture, race, and religion ▫ Ethnicity is identity assigned to a specific group of people historically connected by a common national origin or language �Example: Latino ▫ Culture refers to aspects of a group of people that are passed on or learned �Examples: traditions, food, language, beliefs

Thriving in Diverse Environments (continued) ▫ Race refers to shared biological characteristics ▫ Religion is a specific, fundamental set of beliefs and practices

Thriving in Diverse Environments • Other differences you will encounter: ▫ Age ▫ Gender ▫ Economic status ▫ Learning and physical challenges ▫ Sexuality (continued)

Thriving in Diverse Environments (continued) • Stereotyping: why we believe what we believe ▫ A stereotype is a generalization that is used to describe or distinguish a group ▫ Causes: �Negative experience with members of a group �Bought into a stereotype without thinking about it �Learned from growing up in certain environments

Thriving in Diverse Environments ▫ When friendships are affected by differing values, tolerance is generally a good goal ▫ Openness to diversity will add to your understanding of the ways people are different from one another (continued)

Seeking Diversity on Campus • Many institutions offer inclusive curriculum ▫ Courses introduce students to diverse people, worldviews and approaches • College students have led the movement for an inclusive curriculum • Courses with a multicultural focus provide new perspectives and understandings

Seeking Diversity on Campus • Study abroad to expand your horizons • Student-run organizations • Intramural Sports • Multicultural events (continued)

Overcoming Discrimination, Prejudice, and Insensitivity on College Campuses • Biases ▫ Tendencies against or in favor of certain groups or value systems ▫ Everyone has them ▫ What we do with individual beliefs that separates an unbiased and open-minded person from the racist, the bigot, and the extremist • Zero-tolerance policies ▫ Prohibit verbal and nonverbal harassment and hate crimes

Overcoming Discrimination, Prejudice, and Insensitivity on College Campuses (continued) • Challenge yourself to experience diversity ▫ Learn about various groups in and around your community ▫ Attend events and celebrations outside of your regular groups ▫ Make time for travel ▫ Ask a member of a culture or group for information (in a tactful and genuine way)