Although I know we are all in different places along our self improvement journey, I’m almost ashamed to admit the conversation that I had with a friend last night.
She called me and said, “They have a Spanish version of every commercial now. You know what that means?” When I asked what it meant, she went on to discuss the increase of Mexicans in our area, as well as, the threat of ruthless Mexican gangs that ruin neighborhoods and bring havoc to cities.
I was shocked, disgusted, confused and so much more. This person is not just an associate, but a very close friend of mine. She’s a professional, educated African-American woman who has dealt with all of the discrimination that comes along with being black and female in the Southern United States. Nonetheless, her words revealed the same racist, ignorant thoughts that exist within the minds of those who have misjudged and stereotyped her.
Instead of continuing a verbal disagreement with my friend, I decided to write this article about the self improvement benefits of diversity and acceptance.
The rise above ignorance
You will never understand anything or anyone other than yourself unless you are willing to learn. And self improvement cannot exist without learning.
Ignorance, the state of not knowing, can only be thwarted by knowledge. So, don’t be afraid to do a little research in an effort to learn about those who are different from you.
Grab your computer and look up studies that shed light on those whom you don’t understand. If your instinctual opinion about a group of people is negative, seek out contradictory information to enlighten yourself.
During your research, don’t rely completely on third party resources, which may lead to knowledge of yet another person’s perceptions rather than a true formulation of your own understanding. To successfully overcome ignorance, go directly to the source. Become acquainted with people from different cultural, ethnic, religious, social and economic backgrounds. Ask questions, be observant, listen intently, and remember that the benefit of knowledge is yours. Quiet every preconceived notion, leaving your mind open to whatever truth may reveal itself.
As you gather information along with personal experiences, you will be equipped to speak more intelligently about others.
Neutralizing hatred for inner self improvement
Ignorance is always at the core of fear; and fear is always at the core of hatred. If you will alleviate the ignorance with knowledge and deep understanding, you will find that you have no cause for fear or hatred. Imagine the progress that will be made in this world when parents pass down lessons of love, compassion, and understanding instead of fear, judgment, and hatred.
Through your willingness to embrace diversity, you will improve yourself, encourage others, and contribute positive energy into our Universe.
Business advantages through diversity
In business, there is great value in having corporate diversity. Because of their different backgrounds and life experiences, a diverse group of people will often develop ideas that are completely dissimilar. The more perspectives there are to draw from—the better the potential outcome. This opens the door to creative surprises that give culturally diverse organizations an edge over competitors.
The most successful businesses are often those that value diversity. They realize the importance of having a diverse team of people who develop and market ideas that appeal to various segments of our society.
Positive point of attraction
If you believe that the Universe responds to the positive and negative vibration of your thoughts, then you know the ramifications of cynically judging people.
By choosing limiting thoughts that are based on fear and ignorance rather than compassion and acceptance, you attract misfortune and negative outcomes for yourself. Likewise, you benefit tremendously by opening your mind and heart to accept those who are unlike your norm. You aren’t just doing a favor to society or to another individual by embracing diversity. You are embracing positive change and expansion for your own life.
What are your thoughts on diversity for self improvement?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
This is very true. Diversity is very important for development and experiencing other cultures is integral in growing as a person.
Thanks for the great article.
You have some really great ideas.
Thanks! Your feedback is definitely appreciated. I’m glad that you agree on the importance of diversity.
Unfortunately, just like you, I see this all the time, Neal.
It always amazes me when someone whos parents are just now getting over the prejudice and ignorance of the 1960s are displaying the exact same prejudice and ignorance towards other people who are in a vulnerable position.
It is true that diversity helps promote dissimilar ideas into cultures where the views can be one-sided. We need people from every spectrum to add a sense of balance and rationality.
Diversity is very important in terms of seeing things from a different perspective, and learning from a viewpoint other than your own.
~ Kristi
It’s important for everybody to challenge the way they think. There are far too many people quick to say, “but I’m not racist” (or sexist) yet slow to examine their behaviour to see if it matches up to their self-belief. Having and promoting stereotypes, particularly negative stereotypes, can be racist (and sexist).