3.+Diversity+is+.+.+.

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DIVERSITY is . ..
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” Maya Angelou.

** Defined as…. **

====  Diversity refers to human qualities that are different from our own and those of groups to which we belong; but that are manifested in other individuals and groups. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, educational background, geographic location, marital status, military experience, parental status, work experience, job classification, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. ====

Diversity is said to be, “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially the inclusion of different types of people in a group or organization” (Diversity, 2010). Our world is composed of so many different items that vary from function to color. While objects are one thing people are similar in which we all vary from one to another. With our dissimilar skin types to our jobs in live, diversity surrounds the world in which we call home.

We acknowledge that categories of difference are not always fixed but also can be fluid, we respect individual rights to self-identification, and we recognize that no one culture is intrinsically superior to another.”

The world is an enormous puzzle that is blended together by lifestyles (cultures) that use similarities (multiculturalism) to make the pieces fit together. Diversity represents the puzzle pieces. None of the pieces are exactly the same but they all fit together and connect to one another to make the world.

Central Michigan University defines diversity as: -The range of differences among people in the community -An attitude that recognizes the value and contributions of all members of our community - A commitment to respect and to provide equitable treatment for members if our community (Central Michigan University)

Diversity is a reality created by individuals and groups from a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences. It is extremely important to support and protect diversity because by valuing individuals and groups free from prejudice, and by fostering a climate where equity and mutual respect are intrinsic.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines diversity as "the condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially the in inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races of cultures)." Diversity is being exposed to different cultures and embracing the different values or traditions. Neighborhoods, schools, and even the work place can be very diverse as the United States is full of many types of cultures.

** Personal Views on DIVERSITY…. **

When discussing diversity we understand it is accepting each and every person as they are as well as appreciating the uniqueness of everyone. A wise man who was the president of the United States thought that diversity was important when he said “I take as my guide the hope of a saint: in crucial things, unity; in important things, diversity; in all things, generosity” (George Bush). Obviously diversity in today’s culture is essential because without the uniqueness of others we would all be exactly the same and the world would be dreadfully boring.

What Does Diversity Mean to Us? Diversity can take on many different angles and definitions. One that I strongly adhere to is: What does diversity mean to us? How are our settings impacted and effected by diversity? A definition that has no connection to our lives, in my opinion, is a weak one. According to the University of Tennessee, diversity isn't just an awareness of people with different values and viewpoints. Diversity is a commitment, a requirement to appreciate other individuals that are different from ourselves (UT 2003). So, at this point, one may ask how this pertains to us. Classrooms are the very definition of diversity. It is our mission to appreciate and understand that people will be // DIFFERENT //. One must realize that when somebody seems so alien, so different, that it is the exact same situation on the opposite end. One idea that may seem outlandish to one person may seems wholly acceptable to another. Respecting diversity means the following: Not running away from differences, but rather hearing them out, understanding them, and working through them. Diversity isn't just race or religion; diversity, in the simplest of forms, is difference. A prime example of this would be during a heated classroom debate. Different cultural views may find their ways onto the table. It is very natural, as we have been socialized to act in ethnocentric ways, to immediately discount another idea simply because it is different. You must, however, hold back any initial judgments and attempt to analyze and contemplate the ideas being presented from the other side.

Diversity to me means being diverse. Being able to try new foods, and do things that aren’t necessarily things you're used to. Diversity can mean whatever you want it to, there are many definitions of diversity and millions of different opinions. Diversity is what YOU make it.

"The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect… [Of] each individual’s unique[ness], and recognizing our individual differences” (Definition for Diversity). This respect should be for all of an individual’s culture. This means it should accept and embrace their race, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ideas, social status and appearance for what it is. These things should not be used against anyone and should be appreciated by everyone. Diversity is also having people of many different cultures not only accept each other but also be around each other in different settings to show that we can all work together to build a safer and more positive environment. Diversity should be present in all gatherings and should be respected by everyone. People of a different culture than the norm should never feel persecuted in any way because of the way they were raised and the way they live. Everyone should fee entitled to their own opinions and everyone else should respect others opinions. The United States is said to have been build on an idea of a free nation where everyone can grow up together however there has been a long history of different cultures living in the US but being punished for their ethnicity, appearance, class standing and much more. Contrary to popular belief the US is just starting to be a “melting pot” of different people. Before the combinations of people were separated like water and oil because people of different ethnicities, social status, and family backgrounds did not mix. Now people are starting to come together and see that there is no reason to discriminate against someone they do not know. Hopefully as future educators we can contribute to the acceptance that we all have for one another and to the “melting pot”.

Diversity is an act of accepting everyone’s different languages, physical appearances, religion, opinions, etc. Diversity makes life more interesting and opens the doors for different opportunities. This term also allows opinions and knowledge of different perspectives on life, since everyone’s life journey differs, to determine how our society functions. As a society becomes more diverse, a reevaluation of the functions of that particular society is conducted to ensure that all new ideas are included.

Diversity gives ways to new ideas and hope for the future. It allows people to have varying opinions from one another. It drives the very exist of our world to create for another day that will hopefully keep the melting pot of the future growing.

I feel as though diversity is the acceptance and welcoming of people of different race, religion, etc. There are many diverse people in the world and it is very important to be aware and accepting of that fact, especially for those of us who are going to be teachers. We will experience children like this everyday, and we need to be respectful of it and know how to deal with it. Diversity refers to the differences between all individuals. People usually tend to notice the physical differences, but diversity also includes the differences in personal ideas, opinions, beliefs, and other less noticeable attributes. I believe that respect is a key aspect of diversity. Without the necessary respect for the differences between each person, diversity can create multiple conflicts.

DIVERSITY as a metaphor…
A crayon box sitting on a students’ desk can be seen as a prime symbol representing the variation and diversity that can be seen within a classroom. While each crayon may seemingly be unique in color, but similar in size, they are ultimately unified by one brand; Crayola. This crayon imagery can be likened to the comparisons seen between children. Despite any differences in hair or eye color, weight, or skin color, every child shares their own unifying characteristic—humanity. As a result, diversity is a topic often used to describe differences in thought, race, gender, economic status, religious or political affiliations, etc. More importantly, diversity is an element that can be used with current teaching and learning styles within the classroom (e.g., leveraging an individual’s personal experiences and culture). While not every person may be able to absorb material like math or history using the same instructional methods, it may be important for the state to help students become more interested in the school subjects they learn about in order to create “real-world relevancy” for future goals or careers. (Rosner-Salazar, 2003) Diversity is like mosaic. It is an abstract art that is made up of many little pieces, that are different materials, shapes, sizes and colors, but once you put it together it makes a piece of art - and some people interpret that art differently and some people see each piece or the piece of art differently, but nonetheless it is still piece of art and every little piece is unique in its own way.

Diversity is a beautiful piece of the society. Maya Angelou quotes “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color” (Maya Angelou, 2008).

** DIVERSITY done right…. **

Looking up the word diversity it was interesting to see that of the top 10 sites that came up as diversity in the work place or diversity being something that the college is proud of. The Coca Cola Company is proud of the diverse workspace that they offer. They talk about the diversity amongst the business councils and various things. "As a global business, our ability to understand, embrace and operate in a multicultural world -- both in the marketplace and in the workplace -- is critical to our long-term sustainability and, specifically, impacts our ability to meet our 2020 Vision People goals" (Coca-Cola, Diversity). They bring up the point that it is imperative to embrace the diverse world in order to go far. This is a thought process that everyone should be very used to. In order for us to go far in life we need to recognize these differences and make the most of them.

We are becoming ever more diverse...Immigration, even immigration of non-English speaking persons, is not unusually high. However, the country will become more ethnically diverse with primary population growth coming from people of Hispanic, Asian and African ancestry.

** DIVERSITY in the classroom… **

[|Diversity Awareness] This video provides tons of different activities and ways to incorporate diversity awareness in your classroom and is perfect for future teachers. It is important for children to learn the importance of diversity in the world and what is right and wrong when it comes to stereotypes.

There are articles that investigate the use of service-learning as a pedagogical method and way to address the connection between classroom learning and community action--this way students not only act as a community service provider, but also a knowledge beneficiary where they discover key findings in regards to the presupposed role of the state, and form their own thoughts on public and civic responsibility. Interestingly, the article also incorporates multiculturalism and diversity into the equation to create multiculturalism service-learning. The latter term is seen as a social justice tool to strengthen and uplift those most disadvantaged and underserved, promote equality, and equip future teachers and students as “social change agents” with tools to take steps of action and advocacy (especially in low-performing schools and disenfranchised diverse populations) in order to impact and create “systemic and social change”. (Rosner-Salazar, 2003)