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Diversity Is Not Just Acknowledging And Enduring Differences

Decent Essays

“Diversity includes knowing how to relate to those qualities and conditions that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong, yet are present in other individuals and groups. These include but are not limited to age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences” (Queensborough Community College, n.d.). I believe diversity is not just acknowledging and enduring differences, but understanding and appreciating that everyone has a right to believe and behave however they choose; as long as it does not harm anyone, any animal, the environment, or go against the laws of humanity. It is important to recognize that acceptance of diversity among individuals provides equality to all because prejudice and discrimination creates disadvantages and thwarts opportunities. Before attending Rhodes State College, my view of diversity was limited to acknowledging and enduring differences among people. I did not try to understand, let alone appreciate, the various perspectives that different beliefs and behaviors provide. I believed that as long as I treated everyone fairly and did not judge that I was not being prejudice against those who were different from me. Over the course of my education at Rhodes, I have realized that to be more accepting of the diversity among us, I

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