Understanding Diversity Leads to Equality

Diversity means to me that people of unique cultures, religions, and races are placed together and treated equally. Diversity is extremely important because if everyone was the same life would be very boring. In Catholic Social Teachings we are taught to give dignity to humans, therefore, even diverse humans as well, because we are all equal. Also, these teachings say we should love and respect others, but if we have prejudice and other negative feelings towards others we cannot fully live by such teachings. Diversity can sometimes be difficult; however, it is much needed in all that we do. That is especially true in America because it is a mixing pot.

Privilege is basically when one group has a better advantage of something than other groups. Here in America I have heard a lot about white privilege and how they are granted into jobs more easily, and just altogether have a much better chance at success. I do feel that some people are privileged more than others, for example the rich have more privilege than the poor do. In my opinion, this isn’t fair because everyone should be granted equal opportunities.

I have learned a lot about prejudice and implicit biases and I know that these are wrong. They often times encourage scapegoat, and I have personally undergone such instances in my own life. Being an international student and all, when I came to America, I figured I would experience some degree of negativity from others. However, it is much more than I had previously imagined. It is not so much verbal as nonverbal. There are, however, many times when I get nasty looks from people when in public. A lot of people think that all Muslims are terrorists and we all get titled the same. Even why I go to an airport I am 70% more likely to be stopped and interrogated compared to other individuals. I feel extremely embarrassed when someone judges me before knowing me, because if they took the chance to get to know me they would see I am very kind.

I have learned a lot about being an ally. I can be an ally now with uniting with other individuals like myself. I think that a group of international students untied together could be a very beneficial group. We could all meet together and discuss different experiences we have had and also promote diversity and education to other American students. I feel this idea would certainly be successful and help out many students who have undergone stereotypes such as myself.

I have learned a lot about diversity through this class. One instance that made me think differently on diversity was this class. Before, I did not think that people so different could come together and get along so well. However, there were many people who personally talked with me and made me feel a lot better. Through this course I have learned that although we may be different colors, cultures, or religions, that we all are very similar and have very same goals in life.

I have learned a lot about myself and about others through this class. Not only on diversity but Catholic social teachings as well. I think it is very important that we all treat each other equally. We all were created the same way, and all deserve a fair shot in life. We do not have the opportunity to choose our race, culture, and even sometimes religion, therefore, when someone judges us on these things it is irrational. Since I have personally dealt with prejudice in my life, I know that I would never treat someone like this. I think that when we personally experience things like prejudice it makes us less inclined to do these things to others.