The concept I found the most interesting in this chapter was the importance of diversity in small groups. What is amazing about the United States are that we get to meet all kinds of people of contrasting cultures. Most individuals are willing to blend in a melting pot society. Unfortunately, some people are uncomfortable working with someone of a different ethnicity. It is not always the case where people from the same race or color come through with a well thought decision. They may agree with the decision they made without a second thought. By working with people of different ethnicities, one gets to know more about the other individual’s background and culture. By having diverse members, it makes the small group process much more fulfilling. We take time listening to each other’s different viewpoints which we had no former knowledge about.
I am fortunate enough to be a part of a diverse staff in working at a restaurant. Our group of hosts/hostesses consists of an African American, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai descent. One person is well organized, reserved while the other individual is a real go getter. Although we come from different backgrounds, we all work well together. One common trait is that everyone works extremely hard and is dedicated in our work. What makes it so great is that we learn about each other’s unique culture.
Hi Ari,
ReplyDeleteAren’t we so lucky to be able to experience the diversity because we live in the Bay Area? I agree with you in that we learn so much from people with backgrounds that are different than ours. That is wonderful that even though all of your coworkers come from different ethnic backgrounds, that you work so well together – I wish all of the countries as a whole did that instead of fighting with each other.
We also get to experience things that we might not experience otherwise. For example, one of my neighbors is Ethiopian and I get to try yummy food she makes all the time. We’re Indian, and then the neighbor on my other side is Japanese! We don’t talk that much, but they do help us out when we go grocery shopping on our street. I live in Japantown and there is a little market, but everything is written in Japanese so sometimes I do not know what I am getting so they are there to help!
Great post!
Hey Ari, I would like to say that it’s good to here where your view is on diverse cultures. It’s true that America is filled with diverse cultures that have different aspects on how their culture is run. For example a person on a Chinese culture runs their household a little different than American family. Although, each culture manages the same thing, the culture aspect of the household is different. Each culture has a common trait that it holds itself self evident. Unfortunately, it is true when working with different diversity; people have tendencies to not feel comfortable working with different diversities because they have a language barrier which blocks the effectiveness of communication. Nevertheless, one may feel this is an issue with cultures but the fact is that we can learn new aspects and ways of living in different cultures that can better ourselves as whole nations.
ReplyDeleteHey Ari,
ReplyDeleteI must say that I enjoyed your post. It had a good example and explanation from the book and then you tied it all together with a personal example. I also work in an environment that is very diverse. It seems that at first working there I was a little worried about how everyone would get along. I am not longer worried because I have gotten to know everyone on a personal level as well they have gotten to know me. We all seem to talk about traditions are experiences in our lives and are very accepting. There are times where we all get together and either joke or make fun of each other sometimes, but it is all in good fun and no one is offended. Furthermore, we all make a great team working together because we are all willing to help one another and make the work environment fun for everyone. We all come together aside the diversity between us.
Ari Gold, I thought that your post was particularly interesting. I think that since we live in California we really have a skewed view of how the rest of the United States operates. In California for the most part, we really don’t see people for the color of their skin. We are all from different backgrounds trying to accomplished different goals. But when you travel more towards the center of the US you notice that it is definitely not the same everywhere. When I lived in Colorado for a short period of time, I lived in a predominately white neighborhood. When people of not European ethnicity moved in, my neighbors were freaking out. They were not comfortable living near someone who was different from them. I think I really value our culture here in California where we are encouraged to accept diversity because it is a really great thing.
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