Celebrating Diversity: Diversity All Around Us

 Hey Scholars! Welcome back to our blog - today we are continuing to celebrate diversity, and take a look at the diversity surrounding us all!

While there are many types of diversity, today we focus on diversity in the classroom. We share many cultural commonalities, but we also have numerous cultural distinctions that shape how we see each other and ourselves. Race and ethnicity, religion, language, socioeconomic background, cognitive and physical aptitude, and sexual identity/orientation are all factors. Below we define what each of these are, and ways we can support our fellow classmates to help foster an inclusive and welcoming community. 

Race and ethnicity: race refers to a sociological designation that identifies a group sharing some outward physical characteristics and some commonalities of culture and history. Ethnicity is described as traits you acquire based on where your family is from and the group with which you share cultural, traditional, and familial bonds and experiences with.

Religion: religion is defined as a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices to faith or observance.

Language: language is defined as the words, their pronunciation  and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community.

Socioeconomic background: socioeconomic backgrounds are described as relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors

Cognitive and physical aptitude: cognitive aptitude refers to an individual's ability to understand information, grasp concepts quickly, and apply new ideas to solve problems, while physical aptitude is known as the natural bodily ability related to the muscular and skeletal systems.

Identity and/or orientation: a person's sexual orientation pertains to who they are attracted to and who they feel drawn to romantically, emotionally, and sexually. Their gender identity is about who they are - male, female, genderqueer, nonbinary, etc. 

Each of these identities and topics are umbrella terms for the many diverse individuals they represent, with some individuals identifying as more than one of these terms.

So what are some things we can do to support each other and foster a welcoming environment? We can put forth a conscious interest and look into learning and understanding the different cultures and groups around us. Be conscious of and recognize our own implicit biases, how we can begin changing them. Remaining sensitive to differences, and showing compassion to those around us. Acknowledge and show respect to all, and allow safe, open, and respectful dialogues as a learning opportunity. Offer a safe space to learn from mistakes, and educate in appropriate settings. 

Now let's take a look at some of the diversity mentioned above, that surrounds us in every day life!

Comedian Hasan Minhaj is a second-generation Indian American, who is also muslim. He has faced many challenges as being part of that community growing up in America, and now uses his platform to educate.

Rapper, singer, and songwriter Cardi B, is someone who actively speaks out about her upbringing in a socioeconomically challenged background. She was born in the Bronx, NY, where she faced many challenges including a language challenge, but worked to overcome them and be the superstar she is today. 

Lady Gaga identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and has been involved in many LGBTQ+ rights and mental health causes, even launching her Born This Way Foundation to empower youth, prevent bullying, and improve mental health.