Diversity Essay Showcase

Exploring Diversity in the 21st Century
By Nirali Bhatt, Central Mountain High School, Clinton County
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In the twenty-first century, technology is advancing at the speed of light, innovations are exploding out of every nook and cranny of the Earth, and knowledge is continually supplemented by ongoing research. More so now that ever, we have access to all areas of the world: geographic areas, people, and cultures. Understanding, appreciation, and value of differences and change through exploration in the twenty-first century will lead to enrichment of knowledge and appreciation of all aspects that the Earth has to offer.

Historical records show that long ago, civilizations were clumped in certain geographic areas with little or no contact with other groups. As a result of exploration and the desire for further knowledge, people began to cross barriers and come across other civilizations, thus encountering diversity. These "new people" varied in many respects, including religious beliefs, skin color, cultural traditions, and thoughts and ideas. This led to confusion and lack of understanding, which resulted in injustice in some way or another. Slavery, persecution, and biases are common examples of injustices that come to mind. Through understanding of past mistakes of discrimination, we see the fallacies in that way of society, and in this day and age, diversity is more commonly appreciated and valued.

An understanding of diversity increases open-mindedness and sensitivity to differences. Diversity brings uniqueness to individuals and makes us interesting. It comprises part of one's character, which forms the basis of many of our values. Valuing diversity allows us to enrich ourselves by ridding ignorance and gaining different perspectives on situations. By seeing many angles to situations, we are well informed, and can make intellectual assessments.

I have spent my childhood experiencing the cultures of both rural America and traditional India. Because of this, I have faced the issue of ethnic diversity on a personal level. Each day, I make decisions that attempt to reconcile between these opposite lifestyles. A classic example of cultural paradox lies within the family structure. In the Indian culture, marriages are pre-arranged, and premarital dating is unacceptable. Parents decide whether another family's social, political, economic, and religious views are acceptable for their child. This system of marriage has traditionally created a sound family bond. Indian parents are inclined to maintain a strong family in the children's best interest. On the other hand, the American culture encourages dating as the precursor to a marriage of love. The percentage of broken American families proves that even though this family structure looks appealing, it is far from sound. As a teenage girl in a 99% American public school, dating has surfaced as a conflicting issue on many occasions. While I have chosen to abide by my parents' wishes and cultural background in regard to dating, I would rather not experience an arranged marriage. By combining the strong elements of the Indian culture with the innumerable opportunities provided by the American culture, I can make well-informed choices, and create my own uniquely diverse culture.

For the past five summers, I have attended several summer academic and athletic residential programs where I have been exposed to almost every type of diversity one could imagine. I have met kids of all different races, ages, cultural backgrounds, mental abilities, and special talents. My summer at the PA Governors School for Health Care provided the best example of diversity. Within 10 minutes of situating myself in my dorm room on the first day, I met a girl who had lived 12 years of her life in China, 2 years in Taiwan, and is now living in the United States. She had experienced things that I can only dream of experiencing in my entire lifetime! Her stories shed light on new perspectives, and we became good friends. I met her family, including her nine-year-old sister–who is deaf. One may ask, "What is the good in valuing diversity with respect to physical/mental handicap?" For many people, it is hard to realize how difficult their life would be if they were in the same shoes. Because of this lack of sensitivity, they cannot appreciate this difference among people. It is when one truly appreciates diversity that they can value their own lives and treasure what is given to them.

Further exploration of diversity in the twenty-first century will lead to better trade and economic status, international relations, and educational advances. Understanding, appreciation, and value of differences will lead us closer to world peace, and in the meantime, continue changing society's standards for the better!