Global and Diversity Awareness

Upon receiving my writing assignment on Global and Diversity Awareness, I realized I would need to research the meaning of each. To me Global Awareness means to be aware of how issues and difficulties are affecting us around the world. Diversity refers to being able to identify the differences between people. Race, religion, culture, gender and age are a few examples of how diversity can be seen in a group. Global and Diversity awareness are inter-related in our everyday lives throughout the world. The first example that comes to mind is how schools are now using text books, films and other study materials that show images of people from all walks of life. Seeing these images helps children learn from a young age that others are learning and growing just as they are even if in a different language or culture. This also helps to show that although someone may look different they are affected by similar if not the same circumstances. Another example is affirmative action. Although many people have strong arguments against it, one thing it does provide is diversity. Affirmative action requires that there be a diverse group that works together to meet a common goal. Global business is another great example. If a company is wanting to expand their market to another country that has different cultures, languages or religious beliefs it must become familiar with these differences. Without this knowledge marketing and sales would be very unsuccessful. Personally I have seen how the world has been impacted by global and diversity awareness through Facebook. After 9-11, posts on Facebook seemed very Americanized and even harsh towards any middle eastern culture. People could hardly tell the difference between the cultures and negative comments were vague. As time went and troops became more familiar with cultures and sent information home, posts began to change. Now its not uncommon to see pictures of soldiers playing with children, nurturing the injured and