Parker Swanson
Celebrating Diversity Workshop Report
I attended the Celebrating Diversity workshop on Sunday, October 31, 2004 instructed by Gary Zimmerman. Heading into the workshop, I was doubtful that I was going to be greatly influenced by it, simply because I already felt very comfortable with diversity due to the fact that I lived in an extremely diverse community all of my life prior to coming to college. I found, however, that the workshop was helpful, and that there is more to diversity than simply races, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. I found that there are all kinds of “groups” that are discriminated against and have stereotypes attached to them. All differences should be celebrated. We truly are a “tossed salad,” in the United States, and we celebrate that.
One thing that stands out is realizing that we as people belong to many groups. Lots of us belong to some of the same groups, but most of us fit into groups that are unique and make us an individual. Two people may be in one or two of the same groups, but may be in many different groups as well. The workshop was attended by almost all white European Americans, but we found that there is great diversity between us. Some of us were athletes, others were not. Some were tall, some were short. Some of us were thin, some of us were “big-boned.” The fact of the matter is we found that groups are stereotyped and discriminated against for differences so trivial as being left handed. Forms of discrimination are usually different for different groups, but all discrimination is completely unnecessary.
An activity that was pretty entertaining and educational was working with partners and picking a group to which we belong, and then saying what we never want people to say or think about our groups, and also what is good about being a part of that group. It was very interesting to hear each group say the negative things they think people think about them. One I could relate to was the “skinny” people said they were tired of hearing people ask if they eat. I have heard that before and was insulted by it, but never really took it as discrimination, but in actuality, it is. I really enjoyed hearing groups say what they think is beneficial about being part of their groups. The “short men” said they enjoy being a dime, because they are half the size of a nickel, but worth twice as much.
It was also interesting to learn that many of the terms we use in everyday conversations can be seen as derogatory statements. One of the people at the workshop is from North Manchester, and somebody else said “Oh that’s ok, there is nothing wrong with being a townie.” The individual from North Manchester was offended by being called a “townie” even though it was not meant as an insult. The bottom line is we must watch what we say and be mindful of what can be seen as discrimination. We must be careful of stereotypes and not assume somebody to be one way simply because someone belonging to one of that person’s groups is that way.
I personally found it interesting that many of the people at the workshop have not been fortunate enough to experience diversity when it comes to race and nationality. Being from a city of over 100,000 people, with half of that population being non white European American, I suppose I am somewhat “shocked” by the lack of different races and ethnicities in the same way that some people are shocked when theyare first exposed to someone who is not white. What I learned from the workshop is that this makes me diverse from these people from small all white towns, and the diversity between us should be celebrated as well. I found that I previously had discriminated against these people by thinking they are ignorant and simple minded. I learned that this difference between us is ok, and blame should not be placed on anyone. There are ways to help share what you know to help educate someone who does not.
There was also a time set up for learning ways to hold relationships, while stopping prejudicial comments and jokes. Listening, asking open-ended questions, asking how these assumptions were learned, and being friendly about it are all good ways to stop prejudices while keeping friends. I thought this segment was beneficial because I think we often hear comments that are offensive but we choose not to say anything because we do not know how to go about it without losing friends. Attending the workshop taught me a great way to deal with such a situation.
1