Every now and then it is important to examine the words and concepts we use in discussion, and, in this case, ‘diversity’ and ‘multiculturalism’ will be examined. The very meanings of the two words (‘different’ and ‘many different cultures,’ respectively) emphasize differences.
Over the years the above two terms have been generally accepted into American language. Everywhere we look, someone is telling us we should embrace diversity and multiculturalism. Also, there are prescribed training courses, designed to make us more accepting of each other’s differences.
I too believe compassion is necessary for different groups to co-exist. However, do different groups and organizations really want to come together? I believe some do, but others do not. That is, with all of these prompts, one would think that there would be significant impact in the way people think or interact. Hopefully, you are honest enough with yourself and others to admit that sometimes it is very difficult to co-exist with someone from your own group, let alone a different one.
Yesterday, I read the article on freshman matriculation that praised no, boasted about Boston University’s percentages and statistics of the diversity in the incoming freshman class from this country and around the world (‘3,935 Freshman Matriculate’, Sept. 3, pg. 9). Last week, I saw an article in another student paper reporting this same richness, but admitting certain groups were either underrepresented or included in the category of non-white.
When we look at statistics and printed research findings, we need to carefully examine the ‘truth’ for ourselves. How can these groups be included in one blanket category of non-white? I think that the message is clear in the wording that if you are not white, then you are black. People are not always black or white. What about the people who are neither? What about the people who are both?
I find it appalling when different colleges, universities, or other people and entities consider themselves to be diverse and co-existing well. Well, one serious look around this campus alone would show any honest person we do not live in a ‘melting pot,’ as the old American catch phrase used to say. We live in a mosaic, as someone once told me. In other words, we have many different shapes, colors and backgrounds, but no common ground on which to stand.
Are we diverse? Yes. Are we multi-cultural? Yes. Do we need to find a way to co-exist? Yes. Perhaps we should not only embrace our differences but our similarities as well. We don’t have to change into someone else or even like everyone, but we will learn how to work with our differences as well as to incorporate and likenesses.
Co-existence can’t be forced, I know. However, when I hear someone at BU or anywhere else boast about the greatness of increased statistics or percentages of incoming non-white groups, I take one look around the square in front of Marsh Chapel on a sunny day or several of my own classes in the college I attend and become very skeptical about the reliability of said statistical reports.
When we are genuine in our efforts, co-existence may occur in most cases. I admit, it is not going to happen overnight, but it can happen. We may not be a melting pot, but we will be more like a cornucopia with a myriad of gifts that will foster healthy relationships.
Therefore, the big deal of diversity and multiculturalism is that neither can function without co-existence. As long as we recognize that we need each other in order for this world to function properly, I think, diversity and multiculturalism are great. Unfortunately, we are still divided in a lot of ways.
I applaud those people who are genuinely seeking the inclusion of other groups. Still, we have a long way to go.
Jabulani McCalister is a second-year graduate student in the School of Theology