Diversity is a concept that is defined variously by various scholars. Some define it as the manner in which life is manifested in society. It is a concept that can be viewed superficially and can be experienced internally. This means that an individual, as well as other people, can feel diversity consciousness. Through people’s outlooks, beliefs, ideas, religions, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, political opinions, genders, ages, and physical capabilities, diversity is manifested. The cultural differences offer to mean to people’s lives. In other words, culture enriches and sustains life. However, it should be understood that no culture is superior to the other. Some researchers view diversity consciousness as the act of tolerating and incorporating diverse cultural values and groups into the conventional culture. A larger group or a particular individual can hold cultural values (Bucher, 2010). Cultural differences can easily divide society based on certain values. Arnold Mindell came up with a through which human beings could learn to coexist peacefully. Through the theory, individuals in society can be aware of the differences, embrace the differences, and incorporate them into the mainstream culture. The theory is popularly referred to as the Process Work theory.
Differences arise among cultures because of primary and secondary processes. Primary processes refer to behaviors that are related to identifying, perceptions, and conventional mores. Secondary processes are different from primary processes because they do not emerge from identity. Moreover, secondary processes suggest that people do not intend to behave in certain ways. Secondary processes are internal and external feelings that disturb an individual’s identity. Through secondary processes, an individual can resolve social problems. Secondary processes serve to strengthen an individual because they are compelling and exciting (Parillo, 2011).
On a personal level, groups experience distressing thoughts that encumber their self-images and individualities. For instance, angry feelings serve to reveal the real character of an individual. The angry feelings help an individual to resist some temptations. In the same way, a strong person may give in to the demands of others due to public needs. Through social needs, people form relationships that help them cope with challenges in society. Without relationships, it would be impossible for an individual to interact with other members of society. Moreover, relating with other members of society helps an individual in avoiding isolation. Secondary processes are uncontrolled behaviors, attitudes, and feelings that can be avoided by adopting the tenets of mainstream culture. For instance, an individual might have a problem with abusive leaders who think that everything belongs to them. The primary processes, in this case, are associated with anger and oppression. When powerful, abusive leaders interfere with the normal living of angry persons, they feel intimidated. In this scenario, secondary processes include the energy and the features of rude leaders. The energy makes individuals abusive. In a relationship, women perceive men as needy and dependent individuals. Men, on the other hand, believe that women are weak and emotionally dependent on men. Women and men forget that other people are hurt whenever a negative behavior is portrayed.
An individual can raise diversity consciousness by employing three main strategies. One of the strategies entails stepping out of the cultural zone and widening cultural experiences. This is done by abandoning one’s culture and adopting the universal culture. In the US, for instance, people come from different cultures, each with distinct qualities. Each group tends to identify itself with certain cultures and behaviors. Some would even evaluate others using their own cultures and traditions. This amounts to stereotyping, which is dangerous in a diverse society. An individual is, therefore, encouraged to read culturally diverse books and stories. In terms of religion, an individual is encouraged to abandon traditional religious beliefs and adopt modern religious values. Another important strategy entails understanding the history of the culture. In case an individual wishes to raise diversity consciousness, the history of a particular culture must be analyzed. For instance, an immigrant in the US is encouraged to assess the history of the country in order to understand the dynamics of diversity consciousness. In case an immigrant is African, he or she should learn the histories of other races such as British, Irish, Germans, Italians, and Chinese. Moreover, an individual should obtain critical information from other societal members regarding the challenges they faced when they migrated to new societies (Berry, 2001). Finally, an individual can raise awareness by developing an interest in other people’s cultures. This entails showing curiosity. For instance, an individual can obtain adequate information from individual fasting during Ramadan.
Marginalization is a common trend in the US and other parts of the world. It has threatened to divide society based on tribal lines. However, the minority groups and the marginalized have come out strongly to oppose the vice by forming nation-wide organizations charged with the responsibility of ensuring the culture of each person is respected (Choi, 2001). In the US, The Fourteenth Amendment empowers the minority groups because it bars the majority from discriminating the minorities. The marginalized groups can express their feelings of marginalization by filing legal suits. Alternatively, they can express their feelings of marginality by lobbying the government to enact policies aimed at illegalizing marginalization. However, the marginalized groups can report to various nation-wide organizations.
References
Berry, J.W. (2001). A psychology of immigration. Journal of Social Issues, 57(3), 615-631.
Bucher, R. D. (2010). Diversity Consciousness: Opening our minds to people, cultures, and opportunities (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, Prentice Hall
Choi, H. (2001). Cultural marginality: A concept analysis with implications for immigrant adolescents. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 24(2), 193-206.
Parillo, V. (2011). Strangers to these shores: Race and ethnic relations in the United States (10th ed.). Boston: Pearson.