Is being Diverse worth it in 2017?

Is being Diverse worth it in 2017?

 

This week I would like to continue our discussion on diversity, specifically the ideas of deep-versus surface level diversity. Then with the executive order just signed by President Trump closing our borders and not allowing certain refuges into the country if you are associate yourself with “religious beliefs, cultural values, political affiliation, and general ways of thinking” in which you fall into a category. I will give a brief description of diversity and explain why the United States shouldn’t exclude certain individuals from entering our country.

Diversity is the foundation of what makes that world so unique. If everyone looked the same, dressed, acted and sounded the same life, would be boring and monotonous. Diversity “generally refers to the ways that people in organizations differ which include race, gender, ethic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, and more” (p.2) Culture for many people defy who they are as human being but learning about the differences between individuals we can begin to see what makes people unique. Within lesson three called Diversity, here are two types of general definitions in which I will discuss the similarities, differences, provide examples for the reader to better understand the definitions.

Surface level diversity is what most people think about when talking about the term diversity. It addresses physical differences given to use by genetics. You are born with these specific attributes such as your eye color, hair, sex and skin tone. Basically these are the characteristics that you and others see when you look into the mirror. Just as the specific level states, it is what is on the surface which is why they call this the surface level of Diversity.

The second term associated with diversity is deep-level diversity. “Deep level of diversity refers to the differences that a person acquired through learning.” This level of diversity is fundament in managing cultural differences because you will be faced with many different backgrounds as you go throughout your life. Just because an individual is associated with a particular religion, culture or has a different background than you does not mean one is better than the other. “Global people are already active in the fields of politics, business, academics, healthcare in other profession and walks of life. Indeed, millions-yes millions- of individuals already live and work in countries other than their own. But today, it is increasingly important that every person develop a global attitude as well. We can no longer leave this to government or business leaders (p. 9)

Earlier this week, Penn State students received an email from President J. Baron. “President Trump signed an executive order Friday that, among other impacts, suspended entry of all refuges to the United States for 120 days, and blocked entry to the U.S. for at least 90 days for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Reports suggest that enforcement of the executive order is already stranding students and affecting U.S. institutions of higher education.”

President Trump does not understand diversity on either level, whether it be surface or deep level diversity. He is making a generalization about individuals from these locations and believing they are involved in terrorism. This is the definition of racism and “Diversity is about the differences between people” but yet President Trump does not want to support the differences of others. “The best part of Penn State is our people – no matter what country they may call home. We support all of you.”

 

References

 

Barron, E. J. (2017, January 29). Message on recent immigration executive order [E-mail].

Collinson, S. (2017, January 30). Donald Trump’s travel ban fundamentally changes American history. Retrieved: January 30, 2017, from http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/30/politics/donald-trump-immigration-ban/index.html

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., 7 Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing cultural differences (9th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Pennsylvania State University (2017). Leadership in a Global Context -Diversity, Inclusion. OLEAD 410. Online course lesson, Penn State World Campus, The Pennsylvania State University. Retrieved: January 29, 2017, from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1826457/modules/items/21654097