As has been said many times on this website, diversitythe state of being diverse or different, variety and/or diversity is more than exhibiting "different" outward appearances; diversity is often much more about cultural differences is more about cultureculture is not genetically inherited, it is shared, learned, and dynamic- never static than anything else. It is a little bit about how we look physically – our phenotypethe observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism. Two people can look almost exactly alike in appearance. They can both have brown eyes and brown hair and brown skin and be unique in their languagea system of symbols that allow people to communicate with each other, also the MOST symbolic way that culture is passed down skills, beliefs, and other characteristics.
Almost everything in life has pros and cons. The diversity of human beings is no different. This is the good news and bad news about culture. Let’s examine the “bad news” about cultural diversity first, so we can end on a positive note.
Experience tells us that diverse perspectives often lead people into areas where they might feel some discomfort. Differences in language, communication styles, and cultural norms(cultural) norms are the shared expectations and rules that guide how people behave in a society or group, either formally or informally More can make us feel uncomfortable. There often is a breakdown of communication. If you travel abroad to places where your native language is not spoken, it may happen. Technologythe system by which a society provides its members with things needed or desired, along with knowledge for the use and maintenance of the system More and cell phones can help a lot in translation, but that may not be enough.
If you belong to a minority group in a dominant cultural region, you may experience discrimination and prejudice, no matter how much diversity there is. Such discrimination leads to negative emotional feelings, which can cause misunderstandings, conflicts, and tensions even between the minorities themselves.
Societies must be organized, but in diverse communities, cultural diversity causes social fragmentation and weakens the social cohesion among the populations that are trying to fit in. The dominant culture may try to impose its values and norms on the lesser cultures, which in itself leads to loss of cultural diversity!
In diverse communities, the workforce might require special skills, training, and/or cultural knowledge that the newcomer is not familiar with. This causes complexities that may not be able to be resolved without excluding those who don’t fit in.
There is also the dilemma of mixed marriages within the dominant culture. This can be problematic on both sides. Both parents and children of these marriages may struggle to gain a cultural identitya person's sense of connection to a group or culture, shaped by shared beliefs, values, traditions, and customs, impacting how people see themselves and interact with others More and/or feelings of belonging. Lack of cultural identitythe name of a person, along with the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or a group different from others promotes distrust among the dominant culture and mistrust of those others trying to fit in. Historical mistrust of the healthcare system, for instance, and other institutions of the dominant culture can lead to many problems – both for the dominant culture and for newly arrived immigrants.
We know about these cultural dilemmas because they are broadcast to us 24/7 on the news, social mediawebsites and applications that enable users, on various devices, to create and share content or to participate in social networking, and our cell phones. Unless we live on another planet, we can’t help but be aware of such distasteful matters in our communities and our neighborhoods.
Now, let’s examine the “good news” about cultural diversity. All we need to do is look at clothing, artthe expressive or application of human creative skill and imagination in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, or in music, literature, or dance; art is created primarily for beauty and emotional power; and "holds art is anything the viewer or listener finds aesthetically pleasing.", architecture, monuments, ritualsthe prescribed order of performing a ceremony or act, especially one characteristic of a particular religion or church; rituals are usually collectivistic behaviors and most often include a specialist overseeing the activity or activities, etc., to see that cultural diversity promotes creativity and innovation. Where would the US be without our tacos, spaghetti, pizza, and sushi? Those items are about foodany nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink, or that plants absorb, in order to maintain life and growth diversity, but take a peak at Washington, DC, and notice the Roman architecture everywhere. Then there is the world-famous Smithsonian Museum that exhibits historical artifacts from everywhere on earth and even from the moon! Every capital city in the world has cultural artifacts from an infinite number of cultures, both ancient and modern. Not only do creativity and innovation give us tangible aspects of culture from a mixed variety of cultures, but innovation and creativity also help in problem-solving if we can listen and talk to others and value their input. Exposure to other cultures gives us a background for unique insights and different approaches to challenges, which can lead to more comprehensive solutions.
When we are exposed to a variety of cultural norms and beliefs and ways of doing things differently, we become more empathetic and tolerant, which in turn promotes inclusiveness and more understanding in our societies. We become enriched with a variety of traditions, customs, and perspectives, which makes our world more vibrant and much more interesting.
Cultural diversity – not skin color or outward appearances gives us a diverse workforce, which can lead to increased productivity and economic growth. Many everyday products from other countries that we are dependent upon are electronics, clothing, food items, especially fruits and vegetables, and raw materials like rubber, crude oil, textiles, vehicles, chemicals, and so many others. Immigrants have brought such things with them, introducing their wealth of products and knowledge to us. We can attract and retain talented individuals from various backgrounds. These kinds of introductions help all countries to understand global markets for the good of their citizens.
Last but certainly not least, developing an understanding of cultural diversity helps create stronger and safer communities. It gives us a chance to realize we are all connected, and being connected gives us all a sense of belonging.