Chapter 15: appreciating diversity

• diversity: variations in social & cultural identities among people living together
• multiculturalism: ACTIVE process of acknowledging & respecting the diverse social groups, cultures, religions, races, ethnicities, attitudes, & opinions w/in a community
• many of our beliefs come from personal experience & reinforcement
• stereotypes: an oversimplified set of assumptions about another person or group
• more likely to develop stereotypes if you have negative experiences involving members of a group
• types of diversity: age, religion, physical ability, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
• ethnicity: affiliation assigned to group historically connected by common national heritage or language
• culture: aspects of group of people that are passed on or learned (traditions, beliefs, etc.)
• race: refers to biological characteristics shared by groups (skin tone, hair texture, facial features, etc.)
• in the fall of 2007, nearly 37 percent of American college students were twenty–five years of age or older
• age diversity= opportunity to learn from others who have diff. life experiences
• if someone has disability, treat them w respect, just like you would treat any student
• gender studies courses could open up new ways of thinking about male & female characteristics, attributes, & identity as they relate to your world
• inclusive curriculum: offers courses that introduces students to diverse people, worldviews, & approaches
• education about diversity can increase problem-solving skills (diff. perspectives), positive relationships (common goals, respect, appreciation, commitment to equality), decrease stereotyping, & promo development of more in-depth view of world
• service & volunteer organizations: connections to individuals interested in similar causes, provide link to social pipeline, camaraderie, & support & committed to community

examples: fraternities &sororities

• career/major groups: can make contacts in field that could lead to career options
• political/activist organizations: political affiliations/causes, provide debating events & forums to address current issues/events
• special-interest groups: events highlighting specific interests/talents 
• biases: tendency to hold certain perspective when there are valid alternatives
• discrimination: act of treating people differently bc their race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, etc. rather than on merits
• prejudice: preconceived judgement/opinion of someone based not on facts or knowledge ex. prejudging someone bc their skin color
• student run organizations can provide multiple avenues to express ideas, pursue interests, & cultivate relationships
• hate crime: any prejudicial activity and can include physical assault, vandalism, and intimidation
• religious diversity has been central to the American experience since our colonial origins
• successful college students have skills in understanding, appreciating, & embracing diversity