Final Reflection

The Aims of Diversity...

      According to definition, if one is aiming for Diversity, they are ultimately striving for variety and/or looking to explore a range of things. This simplistic interpretation of the word doesn't adequately express the vast number of topics that fall under the paradigm. Over the course of the quick summer semester, I have explored many topics related to diversity, and have increased my knowledge of what that word means, however continuous exploration is needed for such an extensive word...

      Originally, I had believed that I was pretty well versed in the field of diversity, having been a psychology major minoring in counseling in undergrad, however, I realized I was just at the beginning once I started reading for this class. My views on diversity have certainly been expanded, and I learned about a myriad of topics, but I will focus on some personal developments in four major areas: Social Class, Disability, Race, and Gender.

      With regard to issues of social class, having grown up in a middle-class family, I had believed that I had the average American experience, however I would soon find out that everyone experiences issues of diversity differently. After reading and analyzing several articles, I truly came to appreciate the fact that I was extremely privileged to have a mother and family that was entirely supportive of me and my education, thus allowing more opportunities in my future. In addition, I was unaware of the ways in which society was spreading the gap between the rich and the poor. Upon gaining knowledge of the Gini coefficient, inheritance contingencies, and the dangers of inequality, I understand the need for change in order to ensure a bright future for this country. The issue of social class is one that I had naively believed to have understood, but after attending classes and analyzing several articles, I certainly have learned quite a lot of information about such an important topic.

      In addition to social class, my views were expanded involving issues of disability as well. I was appalled to learn that as a society, we claim that individuals' disabilities are the problem, not the fact that we are inadequately accommodating them. Also, I found it disheartening that much of the social stigma and ostracizing comes from the ignorant belief that people need to all be the same and fit into a "normal" niche. I also found it intriguing to read about life experiences through many different individuals eyes. Doing so allowed me to gain a better (empathetic) understanding of what life could be like for those disabled folks. I truly increased my knowledge on disability studies, and will continue to do so in the future - partially because I've never agreed with the idea of a "normal" human being anyway...

      Whenever I thought of diversity studies, race was immediately the first to come to my mind - with gender at a close second - and I had believed that I knew a great deal of information about this topic as well, but I was mistaken. I was intrigued to learn about the "one-drop" rule, the protean"n-word", the implicit association test aimed at showing how our preconceived notions dictate our judgement, and ultimately the evolution of racism. It was also fascinating to delve into the inherent categorical nature of humans to see how it relates to feelings of race and identity. This class has truly allowed me to delve into a topic that I have only begun to understand.

      Finally, as in the aforementioned paragraph, I usually thought of gender studies when the word diversity came up in conversation. Being a male, I had somewhat of an idea what influence my gender had on my life, but I was unaware of the intricacies associated with establishing gender. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how our society has developed the gender roles that we use today, and the ways in which we categorize people solely based on preconceived expectations of behavior. By creating norms, we are limiting people to certain categories, we should instead remove all boundaries, and allow everyone to express themselves as they please. Gender studies has always intrigued me, and I will certainly continue to look into this topic in the future.

      Overall, I am very pleased that I have learned so much about a myriad of topics thus far, allowing me to have such a diverse knowledge of the subject. I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class, and have truly developed a new outlook on life. Awareness is certainly the first step to solving any problem, and education about said problem is truly the best combatant, thus I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explore topics of such importance.

      Taking into account all that I have learned thus far, through the class exercises, discussions, and readings, I believe that I have somewhat of an idea of what the "aims of diversity" could be...

In my opinion, I believe that some of the most important aims of diversity are to influence people to:

• Challenge socially constructed societal norms, preconceived notions, and negative biases towards people
• Value differences as unique rather than as deviant aberrations 
• Evade any attempts at dehumanizing a person
• Afford everyone the right to be treated equitably

      When discussing social class previously in this essay, I remembered that a while back, I had written a poem regarding the unfairness of class structures, and how class is an inaccurate representation of a person anyway... The following is that poem...

Embellishments

By Brett Santo

Shoes, slacks, belt, shirt, tie, jacket

If you’re not wearing these, you’ll certainly make a racket

Trying to make it in this world, ha! You must wear the synthetics

Because professionalism is primarily judged on aesthetics

Yes, first it’s how you look, not how you feel

Not what you know, can this be real?

They say first impressions are truly essential

But I think your outfit shouldn’t be your first credential

No one ever asks if we can afford such things

And I didn’t know it was required to look like kings
Intelligence and diligence come from within

So I think its important for me to begin

Speaking about the true driving force in our hearts

Its not personal embellishments, cause that’s about cost

Instead its about our talents, dreams, and desires

Because when it comes down to it, I think we should want to hire

Someone who really wants to do this job, not for the prestige or label

Who holds innate characteristics that you will be able

To palpably notice once they walk in the room

They’ll make all the difference, so change your mind soon…

      I'd like to close with a quote that I had coined during my junior year of my undergraduate studies, as I feel that it ties in very nicely with all of the topics discussed over the course of the semester...

"Life is a series of realizations, once you realize something, 

you look back to see how you're going to successfully move forward"

      I feel that my quote ties into the fact that in today's society, if we realize that something needs to be changed and/or is truly deleterious to society as a whole, we should actively work towards making that change, as it will ultimately lead to success on a macrocosmic level...

      I feel as if we are making progress in the field of diversity studies, and this is apparent in various advertisements that I've seen recently...