Unity in Diversity discussion for Respect Day [Notes]

This forum post is based on the listener discussion that was held on September 18th, 2015 hosted by @StandForFreedom on the topic: Unity in Diversity for Respect Day.

These notes were made using a transcript as of the whole discussion, as I couldn't be present for the discussion. I have reviewed the entire transcript, though, and have made an outline on what was discussed to share with everyone!

First Up... An Ice breaker! Who is the most interesting person youve ever met? What makes them interesting?

My grandpa - he knew everything and was friends with richard attenborough

An old lady on the bus

The most interesting person I've met is Leah because the culmination of her experiences and the result of them makes a beautiful human full of dimension.

i met one of my bestie, she is like the prettiest, and yet the calmst , down to earth prson.. she is amazing

My German lit professor. Old guy who seems to know stuff about everything. Has been extraordinarily kind to me during my university career.

My best friend (she's from Russia) - she was the most outgoing and fun person I've ever met

My brother he knew everything and was the kindest person I ever known (sometimes )

This lady was a linguist and worked for Australian National University and the United Nations back in the day

The most interesting person I've ever met has to be my father. He's bipolar, has the maturity of a 5 year old, and is really tough. But he's a nice guy and he makes things fun

Our First question of the discussion is: What does diversity mean to you?

Its the range of different things!

lots of nations,religions,nationalities,colours,personalities of people coming together all for great causes

Diversity?? all these amazing people here,, from all over the world,, here to restore my faith in Humanity

Diversity is about differences. For me anyways. Can be good. Can be bad. Mostly good.

Diversity is just a variety!

Diversity (in people) to me is the variety of qualities people have, mindsets shared and differed, and religions preached across the world

showing me that there is someone out there,,, in the world,, that's ready to li sten to you,, without any reason,,, and to support you

Diversity to me is the range and array of human beings with different backgrounds and identities.

all being different on top but underneath all the same

Diversity for me is in Cuisine

diversity is what makes the world a wonderful interesting place

diversity means sort of differences among anything that exist

② Okay, so onto our next question: What do you think leads to diversity in a group of people?

The culmination of their experiences and backgrounds. Humanity

People who think differently about a similar concept

people being together makes diversity no matter the group it will be diverse in some way

Our complexities, nuances, and subtleties.

I think the culture and the way you're brought up really leads to diversity

Now that we have established what diversity is , according to you, what does unity in diversity mean?

The wholehearted acceptance of different backgrounds, cultures, identities, etc.

To come to an acceptance with our diverse populations rather than form cliques with millions of people. And being an ally for others in the face of discrimination.

tolerance

Acceptance over tolerance for me.

I find that unity in diversity is about people with differences coming together for a common purpose or goal.

Overall: Most of us tend to agree that unity in diversity is a oneness regardless of physical or psychological barriers

③ Have you ever encountered different cultured/race people in your life? Does that affect the way you behave towards them?

I'm an international student in england, so pretty much encounter a variety of people! However, i dont think I've ever treated them differently.

Of course I have, my Mother is a Filipino immigrant to Canada. It has had a huge effect on my upbringing.

I've visited around 20 countries.. and have encountered people from all walks of life... and i think.. i've never behaved differently with any of those.. have always learnt something about their culture from them,, while teaching them something about mine

Although i have just moved to a different city in my country, its quite hard to communicate with them and adjust with them.. ppl are always not welcoming.. so yes i have faced it quite a bit..

I work with refugee population throughout the world. Treating everyone with respect is important but also being sensitive to others cultures and being aware and present is equally important

Have you ever been treated differently initially but then someones behaviour towards you changed after they got to know you better? Why do you think that is?

I used to live in Texas, they instantly judged me for my northern accent and black hair

I think I did have one of my close friends treat me differently, because i was Indian

OMG yes, this is something i have faced.. just cz i was frm a diff state, people thought i wasnt eligible to sit with them in their class.. i had to suffer to blend well with them.. and then ppl got to know how i am, and things changed..

Stereotypes definitely! I think there's like an image created by the media that create a stigma and influences the way people are treated

Stereotypin and lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity amongst people

Cultural differences can create this sort of behaviour too. Not just just stereotypes.

④ Do you think the diversity in people can be a good thing while working in groups? Why or why not?

This site is super multicultural

absolutely one weakness can be supported by anothers strength

you can learn so much from other people

Yes, and no both. I think it depends on the people in the group. Diversity can lead to conflicts if you have people who are not really accepting and want to only work with their "own" people. But, if everyone is open minded, i think diversity can bring in like new ideas

Can be a great thing because we get to learn a lot from others and the differences. It helps to become less judgmental and more knowledable. There are going to be barriers and challenges but the pros weigh a lot more

diversity is really good,, when working in groups.. everyone has their own opinion.. and sometimes,, while working in groups,, with people from different backgrounds,, its highly possible that someone can bring some really good ideas to the group

Multicultural work environment is amazing. Language barrier can be a tiny bummer but it can be overcome and food, culture and everhtnkng that you get to experience from all

⑤ Are there any other ways diversity can be a good or bad thing?

i think it can be easy to accidentally offend within a diverse group

When people are xenophobic or too ethnocentric, that can be a pretty bad thing.

Diversity can be bad if ones been raised in an extremist environment

⑥ How do you experience unity in diversity on 7cups?

support from mentors with different backgrounds to help teach and explain things

So many people from so many countries!

i find its really easy to ask those stupid questions you cant really ask many other places

I think we work together and have so many different views, it's just easy to collaborate!

we are very much a team

I also love how I am meeting so many people with so many different sexual orientations! I've never come across them in my 'real life'

⑦ Do you think the diversity can lead to disrespect? Have you ever witnessed or experienced it?

Absolutely it can. It happens a lot in the media here.

Like "Hey this is how things are done. You're wrong"

or,, sometimes,, people are set in their own ways and are not ready to learn about other cultures or ready to come out of their comfort zone

Its sad that people can outright think others are wrong based on diversity!

Because as sad as it is, I've seen so many articles on "I'm a muslim and I'm not a terrorist" - like do we really need to specify that?!

⑧ What can be negative effects of disrespect on diversity?

FEAR

Bullying

I think it really puts your self esteem down

Depression

I think it also makes you feel "Oh i wish i was of a different culture or something"

⑨ How could we deal with disrespect towards diversity?

Leave them alone lol.

ZERO TOLERANCE

We show them respect

i have ZERO tolerance,, when it comes to bullying or harassing someone or racism

I think just show them respect no matter who they are?

we need to be brave enough to step in and stop it when we see it

education, education is the way out

we need to support those being victimised

More awareness about how there's a whole new world out there

⑩ What are different things that can influence someones respect towards diversity?

Mediaaaaa

kindness

willingness to learn and open their mind?

nurture definitely

open mind, nurture, unfiltered media, kindness!

And experience!

LOVE

Do you think you can be accepting even if it wasnt the way you were brought up?

I think if you've worked with different people before, you know they're no different and just human

Yes you can

It can be hard, but effort is needed. No one even most Angelic soul can dapt in a day

am saying this,, from my personal experience.. when i was a kid,, i was really not accepting.. was really unable to accept other peoples thoughts or views... however,, as i grew up,,, met other people,,, saw people from different walks of life,, i felt a need to change myself.. felt that there is lot more to life,, than i actually know

And exposure, if you live in a house with people who are inherently discriminative - I'm sure you'll be discriminative to a certain extent if you have been exposed to the media. Or if you dont know whats happening around the world.

---------

Participant list: @Sky14 @Kallie112358 @peacefulSoul8 @ItsLee @OneLifeToLive @Anushka1 @Rosalinas @alfonsojon @Lissymay @Viking101 @SUP001MC @Minionator @Caringpotato @hopefulTree78 @Phill5158

Awesome discussion! Thank you a lot to everybody who joined and participated!

(If this was the first discussion that you attended, please take the time to nominate yourself for the Aristotle badge by going to your My Impact page (under Me) and then pressing 'Apply for special badges' below your list of badges)

[Want to help out with discussion notes? Go here!]​