COLUMN: Diversity also includes the majority

Is race what defines diversity? When you look at a Black, Hispanic or Native American person, is the word “diverse” triggered in your mind? What about when you look at a white person? Could you consider that being diverse is simply being? Diversity is too often misunderstood.

According to the Webster Dictionary, diversity simply means the state or act of being different. Aren’t we all different? Why has the view of multiculturalism here been limited to people who are not Caucasian?  For me, it’s offending to see the lack of understanding our community has for the meaning of diversity. There are many forms of diversity that I believe our campus and community need to be aware of.

First and foremost is the type of diversity everyone is familiar with — visible diversity. It is the act of labeling a person to a specific stereotype or ethnic group. Too many people judge others from the outside. It is inappropriate to judge another just based on the shape of their eyes, their nose or the color of their skin. A Black woman could very well have the same interests as a Native American woman. They could have the same fashion sense, have the same voice dialect, the same political party or the same religion. Labeling someone based on visible diversity is a superficial awareness.

The second type of diversity is one that is too often not paid any attention. It is invisible diversity. Invisible diversity includes those attributes that are not readily seen, such as work experience, religious beliefs and affiliations, geographic location, or socioeconomic status. For example, you probably assume an Indian you see was born and raised either in the U.S. or India. However, it is possible she was born and raised in Jamaica. Indians arrived in Jamaica in the 1800s and remain a part of the fabric of that island-nation today.

I have many close friends who are each diverse. I have a dear friend who was born in American Fork and moved to other parts of the world, due to her father’s military service. She is a white American who has lived in 12 international locations, moving about every two years. As a girl with many interests and talents, my friend embraces different cultures daily and is one of a smaller population in Utah who, I believe, understand the meaning of being diverse. My friend established an identity by merging with different cultures. Today, she attends USU.

While each individual is unique, he or she generally has many attributes that are similar to those of others. In life, you will find that people who you believe are just like you are more different than you think, and people you perceive as different have a surprising amount in common with you than you realize. Creating assumptions toward other people based on visible diversity will prohibit you from being able to take part in the enriching opportunity to be friends with people you never thought you would have been able to.

I often see individuals on campus shun certain groups because of racial, cultural, religious, lifestyle and background differences. The predominate identity on campus is Caucasian, LDS, conservative, Utahn, traditional, middle-class and raised with a general education. Some of those who do not fit into any of those categories are often overlooked and ignored in the community. We need to open the eyes of this campus to the ever-growing need to understand diversity and be diverse.

The last form of diversity is called personal diversity. The combination of diverse attributes — both visible and invisible — define an individual’s personal diversity. Individuals will be able to grow and love what makes them diverse, while inspiring those around them and creating an uplifting atmosphere. Unity will be established in the student body, and individuals will be embraced. So, when we recognize, value and embrace diversity, we likewise support and acknowledge the uniqueness of each individual and our campus as a unit. Creating that unity and that bond on campus will help with the student voice as we share the same goals and values toward our academic pursuits.