Junior economics and finance major
You have probably seen various posters around the campus explaining why specific words and phrases are hurtful to certain groups and should be avoided. Recently, McKeldin Mall was lined with signs reminding passersby about the types of discrimination that should be avoided.
The Inclusive Language and Rise Above campaigns do a great job of raising awareness about avoiding offensive language and about embracing our differences. Often, students unintentionally use language that is offensive in casual conversation. In that sense, the posters are effective in promoting conversations in which harmful words are replaced with ones that don’t exclude anyone.
Having removed toxic words from your vocabulary, you say to yourself, “I am a tolerant person who refuses to disparage others based on their differences.” Ideally, every student would reach this level. Even so, that is only one part of the equation. Avoiding offense and truly learning from our diversity are different sides of the same coin.
That is why the general education diversity requirement exists. It is well conceived, comprising both “Understanding Plural Societies” and “Cultural Competence” categories. The classes offered are often filled with interesting content. Having completed the general education requirement, you triumphantly emerge, six credits in hand, as a master of diversity.
If only it were that simple. The university’s efforts to promote diversity education are strong and widespread but will not create global citizens by themselves. No program can do that alone. Truly benefiting from the diversity available to us in College Park will not come from a top-down effort. Like any learning opportunity, each individual will need to work to open up his or her mind in order to benefit.
Signs that students have room to grow in gaining from our diversity are everywhere. Often, students stick to other students from their hometown or of a similar ethnicity or socioeconomic status. It’s not possible for everyone to study abroad, but many neglect to develop skills in a second language. The fact that College Park now has at least 13 pizza restaurants is an indication that our taste buds probably need to gain a greater appreciation for diversity.
Many organizations on the campus organize cultural events that share music, dance and food with the student body. Often, cultural dress is celebrated as well. Other organizations and departments hold lectures and learning opportunities that make the world smaller by sharing knowledge. This type of commitment to diversity is commendable, but not enough students attend.
This university has students from just about every state and numerous countries. We are located just outside our nation’s capital — home of countless opportunities. There is no excuse for not developing as a global citizen. This will require a day-to-day effort to step outside our typical norms and expand our horizons. In the words of the Arthur theme song, “Open up your eyes, open up your ears, get together and make things better by working together!”
Daniel Galitsky is a junior economics and finance major. He can be reached at dgalitskydbk@gmail.com.
