For years, the white community dominated American society. While this is still largely true, this community is gradually losing its influence as the US becomes more diverse. For many, the erosion of white influence inspires anxiety and concern. However, for Americans who desire a nation that is inclusive and integrated, diversity presents opportunity for growth. Diversity is particularly beneficial for employers who wish to leverage the capacities that employees from different backgrounds possess.
Lessons about Personal History
One of the tasks in this class required us to perform a reflection on our own racial and cultural history. As I engaged in this reflection, I was able to gather insight on how the white community has evolved over the years. I must admit that much of the information that I gathered did not paint my community in positive light. I learnt that the white community has dominated American political and social issues for years. As a white American, I have enjoyed privileges that others have been denied. For example, I find that white Americans are able to secure employment with ease and can access such services as education and healthcare without hardship.
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Helpful Information on Diversity
Apart from challenging us to reflect on our own identities, this class has also presented us with information on diversity with the goal of helping us relate better with those from different backgrounds. That diversity strengthens a nation is one of the insights that I have gathered. Previously, I felt that as the US became more diverse, I feared that the country would lose its global dominance. Thanks to this class, I now recognize that the country’s strength lies in its diversity. Another insight that has transformed how I relate with others regards equality. The class has made it clear that for a diverse society to become integrated and prosperous, all individuals must be treated equally, regardless of their racial, cultural or ethnic background. Through the information that I have gained, I intend to treat others with respect and to recognize that they add to our country’s strength and heritage.
The Future of the US Population
It is projected that the US will continue to become more diverse. In particular, the white community will become a minority as other racial and ethnic groups constitute a larger proportion of the country’s population (Frey, 2018). I expect that this prediction will be realized. Today, whites are still the majority. However, if the prediction materializes, the communities that are currently the minority will make up the largest share of the nation’s population. I expect to see fewer white people in schools, on the bus and at the supermarket.
Challenges due to Diversity
In general, diversity is a strength that a nation should leverage for growth. However, there are various challenges that the US has suffered as a result of its diversity. Ensuring integration is one of these challenges (“America is Increasingly”, 2013). The US has been unable to ensure that all its citizens feel valued and that they are part of American society. Racial tensions are yet another problem resulting from diversity (Perez, 2009). For example, there have been violent conflicts involving African Americans over police brutality. It can be argued that that these problems would not be present if the US was dominated by a single community.
Benefits of Diversity
It is true that diversity has its challenges. However, it has to be remembered that for the most part, diversity is beneficial. Providing the US with human capital that drives innovation is one of the benefits that the US has enjoyed thanks to diversity (Steenland, 2014). Research has also found that diversity boosts human development (Vanalstine, Cox & Roden, 2015). Essentially, this research finding suggests that Americans are more fulfilled and have been exposed to a variety of cultures thanks to diversity.
Benefits of Diverse Workforce
Whereas the entire American nation has benefited from diversity, workplaces have enjoyed the greatest benefit. Some of the benefits of a diverse workforce include promoting innovation and creativity, enables employers to boost employee satisfaction thereby limiting turnover and make it possible for organizations to resonate with their markets (Abreu, 2014). Given the numerous benefits that diversity presents, employers should strive to develop diverse workforces. I foresee that my industry will reflect the demographic profile of the US by becoming more diverse. I have already witnessed many firms in the industry hiring more minorities. In preparation for a more diverse industry, I plan to enhance my communication and understanding of different cultures. I believe that this plan will help build my professional life. As I understand different cultures, I expect that I will be able to demonstrate sensitivity and respect for the cultures of others. Furthermore, I believe that communication and understanding will allow me to accept others and to understand that difference strengthens us.
Role of Media and Government
Cultural pluralism and acceptance hold the key to promoting diversity in the US. The entire nation needs to work together to help all Americans feel accepted and valued. However, the media and the government are uniquely positioned to encourage cultural pluralism and acceptance. One of the roles that the government and the media can play is presenting positive narratives of diversity. I find that the media obsesses over racial tensions and other negative impacts of diversity. By focusing on how diversity adds to American strength, the government and the media will be promoting pluralism and acceptance. Equality in recruitment is another measure that the government and the media can adopt. For example, the government could prioritize the recruitment of minorities so as to increase their representation in the workforce. As it does this, it will allow minorities to feel included. Media organizations should also ensure that their top leadership is composed of individuals from as many communities in the IS as possible.
Working Together to Tackle Prejudice
Promoting inclusion and pluralism is not a mandate that should be left to the media and the government. The American people also have an obligation to encourage inclusion by tackling prejudice. Establishing relationships with individuals from other communities, understanding the damage that implicit bias can have on relationships and perspectives, and travel to new places where they are exposed to new cultural practices and beliefs, are some of the simple yet effective strategies that Americans can adopt (Mendoza-Denton, 2011). I strongly encourage fellow Americans to embrace these measures. Personally, I have found some of these strategies to be highly effective. For example, through travel, I have gained a better understanding of the cultural practices and beliefs of other communities. I would urge others to open their minds to new experiences and perspectives.
In conclusion, compared to the rest of the world, the US can be considered a highly diverse nation. It is home to individuals from different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. As a result of its diversity, the country has recorded various benefits. The benefits include human development and enhanced innovation. However, it is worth noting that such negative outcomes as racial tensions have also resulted from diversity. If the US is to gain further benefits from diversity, it needs to encourage its people to embrace those who are different. The media and the government should lead the efforts to promote diversity.
References
Abreu, K. (2014). The myriad benefits of diversity in the workplace. Entrepreneur. Retrieved October 21, 2018 from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/240550
America is increasingly diverse, but challenges remain. (2013). Science Daily. Retrieved October 21, 2018 from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131002185720.htm
Frey, W. H. (2018). The US will become ‘minority white’ in 2045, Census projects. Brookings Institution. Retrieved October 21, 2018 from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2018/03/14/the-us-will-become-minority-white-in-2045-census-projects/
Mendoza-Denton, R. (2011). The top 10 strategies for reducing prejudice. Berkeley University. Retrieved October 21, 2018 from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/top_10_strategies_for_reducing_prejudice
Perez, A. D., & Hirschman, C. (2009). The changing racial and ethnic composition of the US population: emerging American identities. Population Development Review, 35 (1), 1-51.
Steenland, S. (2014). Americans see opportunity in rising diversity. Huffington Post. Retrieved October 21, 2018 from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sally-steenland/americans-see-opportunity_b_4177762.html
Vanalstine, J., Cox, S. R., & Roden, D. M. (2015). Cultural diversity in the United States and its impact on human development. Journal of the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences, 18 1(1), 125-143.
