Define Diversity…Than Think of the Big Picture

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/editorialcommentary/story/0AB1CD250602027C8625738B001A47C2?OpenDocument

A story ran in Tuesday’s issue of the St. Louis Post Dispatch that dealt with the many meanings of diversity itself. The article stated that “some see the word as a code word for affirmative action” while others view it “as a kind of political correctness that encroaches on freedom.” Whatever the perspective, the word generates emotions are both sides of the spectrum and may very well be the explanation of why the St. Louis area is divided in the way that it is.

But this word holds more power than just separation; it is an expression, a key ingredient, which has given this American society a leading edge. We live in a melting pot of ideas and without diversity we would be living in a bland state of culture and only experience the customs around us. Instead we are gifted with exotic delicacies from China, romantic and fiery rhythms from Latin America, and the soulful tunes of jazz from African Americans. The article states “writers, artists, and the world’s scientific elite are contributing to making the United States a technological and cultural capital of the world.” All of these different assets build up the backbone of American culture and molds a way of live that is truly unique.

As society and its expectations change, we have to consider a cleaner way to communicate amongst several different demographics. It is evident in St. Louis that people disassociate themselves from other cultures and became introverted in their ways of living. The ability to accept and understand ones background is a key step to achieving a unified goal. It is hard to step out of a comfort zone, but this crucial step “will increase the quality of our lives dramatically.” So whether it is gender, race, or ethnicity learning to accept another culture is what makes diversity a blessing rather than a dividing point.

The article I choose was not about a certain story but about diversity itself. The writer, Terrence Freeman, is a national program director for 100 Black Men of America and has been a volunteer for churches, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies. This article gives one definition of diversity, but provides room for readers’ own interpretation. Diversity can have the power to be meaningful and irreplaceable if used correctly.