Cultural Diversity

Today’s college campuses reflect the diversity of the UAE population, but are you aware how diverse the UAE is? And why that’s a reason to celebrate?

Race, Ethnic Groups and CultureRace: generally refers to a group with similar inherited features.

Ethnic group: refers to a group that shares language, national origin or religious tradition.

Culture: refers to the behaviors and beliefs characteristic shared by a group of people. The ideas and behaviors of an ethnic group, for example, are part of their culture.

The Changing UAE Population

The UAE has many different nationals and it may be mix with UAE citizens.

60 years of ChangeTotal UAE Population, 2000,

by race

What does the future hold for you, me, & us?

If the current rate of growth continues, the groups that make up a minority of the current population will make up 50% of the U.A.E population by 2030.If you live in or near an urban center, chances are that your community is already more diverse than you may think. In small communities it may be less so.

Appreciating Diversity

Yet…

Even in college, people often tend to seek out other people like themselves…

College is a tremendous opportunity to meet people unlike yourself!

Seek out student groups, volunteer opportunities, and organizations that help meet new people.

Research shows that students benefit from positive relations with other students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Diversity is the reason that America’s language, food, fashion, music, business, and accomplishments are as rich and varied as they are!

Broaden Your Diversity Vista

Make all people and groups feel welcome, including those with differences in age or

ability.

Being Mindful of OthersRespect culture and diversity

Understand gender issues

Improve your relationships with diverse others

Different isn’t bad, it’s just different

Diversity in publicCollege campuses are among America’s most diverse sett ings, including both students and faculty.

Despite opportunities to mix, people often associate with their “own kind.”

Our fear of the unknown may keep us close to those whose background we share.

This prevents us from taking advantage of the rich opportunit ies on campus to meet and learn about people who are different from us.

Discrimination and Prejudice on College Campuses

In addition to being morally and personally repugnant, discrimination is also ILLEGAL.

Respect & tolerance, on the other Respect & tolerance, on the other hand, are highly encouraged!hand, are highly encouraged!

Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice on Campus

Many of us sincerely think that we are not prejudiced, but experts believe that every person harbors some prejudices.

Stereotypes lead us to view others in limited and limiting ways. There is so more to people than the social roles they play, or the groups to which they belong.

We tend to identify with others who are like us, and fear people who are different from us.

We tend to be ethnocentric—favoring groups we belong to and tending to think of them as superior.Some of us are also egocentric – thinking we are superior to everyone else.

Diversity Attitude Scale:Where are you?

Celebration“We need each other.”

Affirmation“I’ve got something to learn from

you.”Civility

“I respect your rights.”Tolerance

“You have a right to be here.”Intolerance

“I’ll work to keep you out”

International Students

Most colleges have students from a wide range of countries.They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be different from those of UAE students.If you are an UAE-born student, consider getting to know one or more international students; it will expand your education.If you are an international student, adapting to college in UAE may bring some confusion and problems; for help, read your text and ask your instructor.

Don’t Put Up with Sexual Harassment

It is estimated that two million women currently enrolled in college will experience some form of sexual harassment in their student lives.Sexual harassment includes several behaviors.

Gender harassment - sexist remarks and behavior that insult and degrade women, a problem apart from harassment for sex.Seductive behavior - unwanted, inappropriate, and offensive advances.Sexual bribery - harassment for sex, with the threat of punishment for refusal.

Every college is required by law to take action against sexual harassment.

Improve Your Relationships with Different Kinds of People

Honestly assess your attitudesPut yourself in perspective with othersSeek personal contactRespect differences but don’t overlook similaritiesSearch for more knowledgeTreat people as individuals rather than stereotyping themInclude, don’t exclude