Running head: THE PLACE FOR DIVERSITY ANALYSIS

The Place for Diversity Analysis Latasha Randle COMM315 July 27, 2010 Barbara Lach-Smith

THE PLACE FOR DIVERSITY ANALYSIS The Place for Diversity Analysis Diversity is an interesting concept that can take on several meanings. The word itself has become more frequently used in recent years as the world is beginning to encompass people with many differences. The term diversity covers a range of characteristics and deals with how we accept or

respect those characteristics. Diversity explores our unique characteristics that make us who we are and deals with everyones own individuality. Diversity centers on the differences that exist among people, groups of people, or even cultures. In simple terms, diversity refers to the many ways that we, as people, differ (Bucher, 2009). The specific characteristics or traits that differentiate people or groups are referred to as the dimensions of diversity (Bucher, 2009). As one recognizes the many dimensions of diversity, it is important to note that not all of the dimensions are visible. Many of our dimensions that make us different are considered hidden because they are not apparent by just looking at a person. Some visible dimensions may be a persons race, gender, or ethnicity (Bucher, 2009). On the other hand, hidden dimensions can include non-physical traits such as social class, sexual orientation, religion, level of education, or marital status. As we recognize that diversity can have different meanings, we must also recognize that each person will have their own dimensions of diversity, whether visible or hidden. As I completed the simulation on diversity, I truly realized how there can be preconceived ideas of how a person will look if they contain certain dimensions. Throughout the simulation, I used my own stereotypes and prejudices to attempt to determine which person would match the given description. The very first one came easy to me. The method I used to determine who fit the profile could be considered offensive to someone. The description stated that the person struggled to find their true self and they had experimented with drugs. I immediately rule out the guy

THE PLACE FOR DIVERSITY ANALYSIS

because I just feel that guys dont typically admit to trying to find who they really are inside. Next, I ruled out another young lady because she just did not look as though she had done drugs. However, there was a young lady with a nose ring and slightly dark circles around her eyes. I instantly thought she looks like she has been through a lot. One example I got wrong because the persons attire did not look like she was from a big city like New York. I also guessed another one wrong because of the persons size. The simulation stated that she had undergone gastric bypass, so I automatically chose the smallest person and that was incorrect. Completing this simulation allowed me to realize that it is truly impossible to know all about a person from just the way they look. That is why diversity is comprised of visible and hidden dimensions. Race and gender are automatically distinguishing traits, but several others do exist. When we explore what makes us different we must look at religion, our upbringing, traditions, and even the events we go through in life. Each of these traits will cause us to be different from someone else. Other components to be considered are that we are not only separated or distinguished from one another as individuals, but also in groups. There are different economic social classes that divide the groups of people based on financial wealth. Another dimension can be the level of education which divides people into categories of being considered educated versus non-educated. Another dimension can be sexual orientation which definitely has created division among people. One thing to remember is that diversity is not going anywhere and the list of dimensions will continue to grow based on how each person defines themselves. Although diversity will never go away, we tend to misuse diversity and allow our differences to become a way of judging people. Personally, I must admit that I do tend to judge people according to superficial characteristics. Age is one dimension that I misuse in judging people. As an Office Manager, I have experienced that my most responsible and reliable workers

THE PLACE FOR DIVERSITY ANALYSIS tend to be middle aged or older. Because of this, I am more cautious with hiring young adults because I do not think they will give the level of commitment that the job requires. I also judge people by how they dress. I was raised to make myself presentable to show that I cared for myself and had high self esteem. As a result, when I see someone whose clothes are wrinkled or dirty, I think that maybe they have low self-esteem or do not care how they look. I also tend to judge people by how they write. If I get an email from someone (a potential customer) and it

contains several spelling or grammatical errors, I assume that they are uneducated. I am sure that I am not the only one who misjudges people why superficial characteristics, but these examples show why we must continue to learn about diversity and how to accept and respect each others differences and preferences. There are numerous dimensions to diversity. Regardless of whether it is gender, race, age, disability, appearance, or religion, one should be careful not to allow this to turn into prejudices and misjudging. Many of the characteristics that make us different are simply superficial traits that display our uniqueness as individuals. We must learn to explore our differences while remaining open-minded and we will soon realize how much we can learn from our differences. Diversity education can lead to growth and understanding.

Reference

THE PLACE FOR DIVERSITY ANALYSIS Bucher, R. D. (2009). Diversity Consciousness. Opening our Minds to People, Cultures, and Opportunities (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.