Diversity (Chapter 9)

Diversity is real -- and valuable!

Discrimination is real-  forms of discrimination still exist, even on campuses.  When racism lives, we all lose

Diversity is valuable-  Synergy is the idea that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.

Desire to communicate-  When our actions are grounded in a sincere desire to understand others, we can be much more effective

Develop skills-  With the desire to communicate you develop specific skills on three levels:

• Personal -- becoming aware of your own biases
• Interpersonal-- forming alliances with people of other races and cultures
• Institutional-- pointing out the discrimination and racism that you observe in organizations.

Be active-  Learning implies activity.

Look for common ground-  Most people want health, physical safety, economic security, and education

Assume differences in meaning-  Look for several possible meanings of our words and actions.

Ways to communicate across cultures:

• Think critically
• Look for individuals, not group representatives
• Get inside another culture
• Celebrate your own culture
• Find a translator, mediator, or model
• Develop support systems
• Ask for help
• Remember diversity when managing conflict
• Change the institution
• Reap the rewards-  The price we pay for failure to understand other cultures is fear and bigotry.

Dealing with sexism and sexual harassment:

• Point out sexist language and behavior
• Observe your own language and behavior
• Encourage support for women
• Set limits
• If you are sexually harassed, take action

Study Guide for Test #2

< Back | Next >