Introduction
People exhibit diverse cultural practices, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that dictate the way they interact with their colleagues, neighbors, or friends. Such aspects will affect how they focus on their surroundings and histories. This paper gives a detailed analysis of the observations made after completing a learning activity aimed at identifying and discussing famous citizens whose achievements have shaped history.
Easiest Categories
After completing the exercise, I managed to evaluate and discuss different governmental individuals from different categories. The easiest ones to name were from the groups: upper class, male, Latino, and African American. This was the case since citizens from such backgrounds have been enjoying considerable support from the government. For example, males tend to have increased chances of acquiring quality education and getting a good job (Cheok, Aleti, & Hede, 2015). Individuals from the outlined categories also engage in activities that can transform societies.
Difficult Categories
Some categories were difficult to name, including women, disabled, Asian American, Muslim, Native American, and the LGBT community. This happens to be the case since members of these groups face increased cases of discrimination (Rodriguez & Lamm, 2016). Such individuals have been unable to engage in political activities or start their businesses successfully. They continue to grapple with numerous challenges, including poverty and unemployment.
Personal Observations
This exercise has revealed that I am conversant with the predicaments of discrimination and inequality in the United States. It has been an opportunity for me to analyze famous people who have shaped this country’s history. I am always concerned and willing to learn more about what is happening around me (Rodriguez & Lamm, 2016). The completed work has revealed that I have been brought up in a society characterized by diverse cultures. Since my childhood, I have learned more about different racial groups and leaders who have transformed this country.
My Culture, Socialization, and Education
Having grown up in a prominently white middle-class neighborhood, I managed to interact and associate with individuals from my culture. I also collaborated with many friends from other racial groups. I have also realized that the awareness of one’s culture is something that happens naturally. This is true since I have been able to associate with different individuals from my population. With bachelor’s degrees in criminology, liberal arts, and paralegal, I have learned much about people whose efforts changed America’s history. I have an MBA and I am currently pursuing another master’s degree. In terms of informal education, I have learned more about other people’s cultural practices, achievements, and challenges.
Cross-Cultural and Diversity Consciousness
Every manager planning to develop and sustain a high level of cross-cultural and diversity consciousness will encounter various challenges. For example, the leader will have to focus on the disparities many people from diverse backgrounds face. The individual will also encounter cases of language barriers. People from different backgrounds also exhibit diverse values, expectations, communication styles, personal space, and power distances. However, various opportunities exist for such managers (Ayega & Muathe, 2018). Firstly, diversity can create the best environment for introducing new ideas. Secondly, a proper leadership model will ensure that all individuals collaborate. Thirdly, people from diverse backgrounds can deliver evidence-based approaches to sustain the intended diversity consciousness.
Conclusion
Many American citizens have made their own names despite being from minority or majority racial groups. The completed discussion has presented powerful insights that can guide individuals to promote the best models for interacting with others and promoting diversity. The paper has concluded by identifying challenges and opportunities that managers planning to develop high-level diversity consciousness should take seriously.
References
Ayega, E. N., & Muathe, S. (2018). Critical review of literature on cultural diversity in the work place and organizational performance: A research agenda. Journal of Human Resource Management, 6(1), 9-17. Web.
Cheok, J., Aleti, T., & Hede, A. (2015). Stereotyping – Predispositions, activations and applications in cross-cultural service interactions: Views from service providers in Malaysia. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 22(2), 98-110. Web.
Rodriguez, M. T., & Lamm, A. J. (2016). Identifying student cultural awareness and perceptions of different cultures. Journal of Agricultural Education, 57(2), 106-118.