Question: Provide a definition and give examples of diversity in our society and describe your views about the challenges and opportunities our society faces in dealing with diversity.

Ours is a society of many faces and abilities. First, as a nation, we are privileged to house people from every region on earth, and second, although it can be trying to accomplish, our country works to provide opportunities to those who struggle in discovering their abilities. In its most simplistic form, societal diversity means that people are different, whether it be by color or creed, intelligence or physical abilities. It is these differences which make up the varying colors and complexity of our society. It is these differences which bind us together, and sadly, these same differences often tear us apart.

America has always been seen as the land of ultimate freedom and opportunity. It is for this reason that people from all over the world have been willing to sacrifice everything to better themselves here. However, when venturing to our shores, people bring with them their beliefs and customs, and these are often very different from the melting pot norm which is our society. Human nature combined with the common upbringing of many Americans causes us to fear and shun differences seen in others. This negative behavior is a catalyst spawning hatred and discrimination against those who are different from what is considered good, Christian, and American. The Arab American, no matter how much he loves and supports his country is often seen as a terrorist and is blamed and even punished for the actions of a remote few. In World War II, many Allied supporting Japanese were held in prison camps because it was assumed that they would support the Japanese cause, laying in wait inside America's shores to support their homeland when their people arrived. Today, many Jews are persecuted because of their unique and exclusive religious beliefs, and they are seen as wanderers trying to control the finances and wealth of others. Historically, Black Americans were often seen as lesser, and their intelligence and creativity as humans was ignored. Similarly, women, even though they comprise half of our society, have often been segregated to lessor positions in the workplace, and even if they achieved the same status as a male counterpart, it was often at a lesser pay. There are many other similar cases; we have all witnessed discrimination in the world around us.

Even though people often agree with these statements, it does not make that agreement correct. Sadly, the negative differences seen in others are nothing more than society bred prejudices with no basis in fact or truth. This is the challenge our culture faces – usurping truth over the long held beliefs about other’s misperceived differences. Since it is not logistically possible to force those in discriminatory power to experience the lives of those they despise, as a society we must use education and media to spread the realization that others are valuable and valid in their beliefs and lifestyles. Preaching tolerance is a start, but showing tolerance is what needs to be done. This can only be started on the individual level, and if continued numbers show acceptance through friendship, hiring practices, etc., then someday the idea will grow, and the value of others will be realized as it will have been proven. This is not something that can be forced by the government or any other ruling power, but it must be a conscious effort by those who see and understand the worth of others, because only then will the example carry the weight of true conviction.

In similar vein, people with physical or mental differences are also frequently segregated within our society. Unlike with racial or ethnic diversity, government assistance may be more beneficial to these groups. Government requirements providing accommodations for those with physical disabilities permits more people access to businesses and work. In addition, financial assistance is often necessary to provide the tools needed to access the surrounding environment. Once in the world, many with physical disabilities can prove their talent and worth. This financial sustenance, however, does require support of the voters, and financial wisdom in the various government bodies. Similarly, those with mental handicaps can also be productive members of society, earning their keep and oftentimes, finding their way into the hearts of those with whom they come in contact. Several restaurants hire people with Downs Syndrome or other similar issues as bussers, dishtankers, etc. Most often, these wonderful people are hard workers, continuously amazing others with their abilities and natural work ethic. All it takes is for them to be given a chance.

Although it would be nice if these examples of tolerance existed everywhere in our society, they do not. However, I am sure that given time, we can see continued changes towards these ideals, and someday, ours may be a society where the challenges of diversity will not be an issue.