Cultural Sensitivity

Diversity

Family Medical Leave Act

How are people different?

•Race•Ethnicity•Gender•Religion•National Origin

Diversity

•Lifestyle•Sexual Origin•Education•Family Upbringing•Generation•Political Party•Socio/Economic Status•Introvert/Extrovert•“Techie”/”Non-Techie”•Campus/Region•Urban/Rural

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I’m different from them.

Diversity

Family Medical Leave Act

They’re different from me.

Diversity

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When people are different from me, or I’m different from other people, it sometimes makes me feel—

•Fearful•Angry•Threatened•Repulsed•Curious•Appreciative

Diversity

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A person can sometimes make a negative or incorrect judgment or assumption about another person who is different from them. Why does this happen?

•Education•Past Experience•Media•Ignorance

Diversity

•Appearance•Language/Accent•Name•Body Language/ Mannerisms

Because of my-- Because of their--

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When a person makes a negative or incorrect judgment or assumption about me it can make me angry or frustrated. Why does this happen?

•I bet they think they know me but they don’t•I bet they haven’t taken the time to get to know me•I bet they’re assuming I’m just like others of my type

Diversity

Family Medical Leave Act

Knowing where you are on the Diversity Competencies scale can help you understand why you feel and act a certain way towards people who are different from you.

Working your way through the scale can help you achieve better sensitivity and appreciate diversity.

Diversity Competencies Scale

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First Level: Repulsion

People from different cultures or lifestyles than me are not normal. They make me very uncomfortable or angry and should not be allowed in my environment.

Diversity Competencies Scale

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Second Level: Avoidance

I don’t understand or am not familiar with people from different cultures or lifestyles. And I’m not really interested or see any value in becoming familiar so I’ll just avoid them.

Diversity Competencies Scale

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Third Level: ToleranceI can be around people from other cultures or lifestyles, and I can respect their differences. I let them “do their thing” and I prefer that they let me “do my thing.”

Diversity Competencies Scale

Family Medical Leave Act

Fourth Level: Acceptance

I am comfortable around people from other cultures or lifestyles. I welcome and acknowledge them.

Diversity Competencies Scale

Family Medical Leave Act

Fifth Level: Appreciation

I see people of different cultures and lifestyles as positive and smart. They have great value and have much to offer me in the way of new information and insights.

Diversity Competencies Scale

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Fifth Level: Fostering Diversity

I am one among many different peoples. I actively seek liaisons with people from different cultures and lifestyles. We can come together and learn from each other.

Diversity Competencies Scale

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1. Repulsion2. Avoidance3. Tolerance4. Acceptance5. Appreciation6. Fostering

Diversity Competencies Scale

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From Cross-cultural, to multi-cultural, and then, inter-cultural.

Establishing a bridgeMeeting at a round tableJoining in a dance

Diversity

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What are my responsibilities towards other people who are different from me?

•Respect the differences•Don’t assume or pre-judge•Learn about other cultures, customs and perspectives•Don’t assume the worst about someone if they mis-treat you

Diversity

Family Medical Leave Act

What are my responsibilities towards myself when I’m around people who are different from me?

•Respect my comfort zone•Be willing to stretch outside of my comfort zone•Don’t assume the worst about myself when someone mis-treats me•Don’t be too hard on myself when I get it wrong

Diversity

Questions?