Blog Post #5: Cultural Diversity

   To quote Ron Burgundy, "Diversity is an old, old wooden ship that was used during the Civil War era." Though this is a convincing definition, Sylvester's presentation really helped me get a better grasp on what diversity actually is. Having acceptance for diversity will definitely help in the professional world, and just in the general social world as well.
   In the class activity, I chose sister, low middle class, daughter, white, student, friend, Hixson scholar, female, actor and vegetarian as the dimensions of my identity. I'm sure people make judgments based on these dimensions. I get judged for being a Hixson scholar, because people don't understand what we have been through to get this award. I'm also judged for being female, because of the sexism that still exists today, and also for being a vegetarian, because everyone just assumes I'm a weirdo :).
   I'd assume that I share a lot of these dimensions with people from our group, such as sister, daughter, white, student, friend, low middle class and of course Hixson scholar! I don't think any one else is an actor or vegetarian from Teal Team Six, so I'm unique there!
   Although it wasn't a stereotype, I loved Eva's story about how she didn't know she was black! It just proves that color and other differences are just taught, and that we are born without judgment towards those types of differences. Sylvester's story about how he doesn't have to take precautions at night walking by himself really made me think. Because of my gender, I have to be careful and think twice because I don't have all the privileges that men do.
   One thing that I will do to support what I've learned in class is to try and attend a diversity event this week, and hopefully more in the future. I think it is very important to learn more about others and their culture and ways because this is a very diverse school!

Have a wonderful week everyone!