Comments on: Is this the Beginning of the End for Diversity Training? http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/2009/01/22/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-diversity-training/ Thu, 17 May 2012 20:01:35 +0000 hourly 1 By: Patty Razzante http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/2009/01/22/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-diversity-training/#comment-80 Patty Razzante Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:03:35 +0000 http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/blog/?p=77#comment-80 I enjoyed reading the comments on this blog, and for me it is hopeful that as generations spend more time around people who are different they will begin to change. Personally I think employees bring more to the workplace that was learned from parents during their developmental years than they realize. This holds true especially for stereotypic attitudes. I think Obama will help change racial attitudes, but there is a list of other arenas still needing "diversity" training, or at least sensitivity training. Like I said, I am hopeful - my own children seem to be way ahead of where I was at their age. I enjoyed reading the comments on this blog, and for me it is hopeful that as generations spend more time around people who are different they will begin to change. Personally I think employees bring more to the workplace that was learned from parents during their developmental years than they realize. This holds true especially for stereotypic attitudes. I think Obama will help change racial attitudes, but there is a list of other arenas still needing “diversity” training, or at least sensitivity training. Like I said, I am hopeful – my own children seem to be way ahead of where I was at their age.

]]> By: Christine Funt http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/2009/01/22/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-diversity-training/#comment-79 Christine Funt Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:36:36 +0000 http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/blog/?p=77#comment-79 I do think that you've made too much of a generalization that, "As a group, we (your generation) are more comfortable with diversity." There are always going to be some people in a generation more comfortable than others. I'm 58 and Caucasian, but grew up in a poor, very mixed neighborhood. I've always been very comfortable with different races and nationalities. But, I see in your generation, people who are very prejudiced. I think what is scary for me is that you can feel your generation may be handling diversity better, even with all the problems that are still going on. What are you not seeing? Please don't get comfortable and applaud your generation because there is still a long way to go. I do think that you’ve made too much of a generalization that, “As a group, we (your generation) are more comfortable with diversity.” There are always going to be some people in a generation more comfortable than others. I’m 58 and Caucasian, but grew up in a poor, very mixed neighborhood. I’ve always been very comfortable with different races and nationalities. But, I see in your generation, people who are very prejudiced. I think what is scary for me is that you can feel your generation may be handling diversity better, even with all the problems that are still going on. What are you not seeing? Please don’t get comfortable and applaud your generation because there is still a long way to go.

]]> By: Melanie Sklarz http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/2009/01/22/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-diversity-training/#comment-78 Melanie Sklarz Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:48:37 +0000 http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/blog/?p=77#comment-78 Judy, thanks for your comment. I am sorry if I implied that all older Americans are not comfortable with diversity. As you have proven, there are many individuals out there, of all ages, who embrace diversity. What I am suggesting, like you, is that we get past this notion of looking at people based solely on their differences, whether they are skin color, religion, heritage, gender, etc and see them for who they are and what they stand for. I believe the large turnout of young people, who voted for Barack Obama, signified a generational and cultural shift in our society. They were able to look beyond his race and hear his political message of change. This, I certainly do not believe, is the end of racism or any other type of discrimination, but I believe it is a major milestone in that discussion. Judy, thanks for your comment. I am sorry if I implied that all older Americans are not comfortable with diversity. As you have proven, there are many individuals out there, of all ages, who embrace diversity.

What I am suggesting, like you, is that we get past this notion of looking at people based solely on their differences, whether they are skin color, religion, heritage, gender, etc and see them for who they are and what they stand for.

I believe the large turnout of young people, who voted for Barack Obama, signified a generational and cultural shift in our society. They were able to look beyond his race and hear his political message of change. This, I certainly do not believe, is the end of racism or any other type of discrimination, but I believe it is a major milestone in that discussion.

]]> By: Judy http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/2009/01/22/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-diversity-training/#comment-77 Judy Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:41:54 +0000 http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/blog/?p=77#comment-77 I want to be careful how I say this, because it is not meant to offend you, but I feel compelled to share my thoughts. It is interesting to hear your perspective on a different generation. However, I think you are being a bit prejudice with your view of us older folks. I am 50 years old (the end of the baby boomers) and I am married to an African American man. I work with many people of different races that are the same age and younger and we have developed very deep friendships based on our similar interests and skin color has never been a factor. I have had more young people make comments about how they could never marry outside their race then I have from people my own age. My teanage chilldren (who are bi-racial) have mentioned to me that they are tired of kids refering him to the first "Black" president. They feel that it denys the other part of his heritage. They wish more of their friends knew the issues and what he stands for instead of just seeing a young, good looking, black man. I hope this gives you different perspective. Thanks. I want to be careful how I say this, because it is not meant to offend you, but I feel compelled to share my thoughts. It is interesting to hear your perspective on a different generation. However, I think you are being a bit prejudice with your view of us older folks. I am 50 years old (the end of the baby boomers) and I am married to an African American man. I work with many people of different races that are the same age and younger and we have developed very deep friendships based on our similar interests and skin color has never been a factor. I have had more young people make comments about how they could never marry outside their race then I have from people my own age. My teanage chilldren (who are bi-racial) have mentioned to me that they are tired of kids refering him to the first “Black” president. They feel that it denys the other part of his heritage. They wish more of their friends knew the issues and what he stands for instead of just seeing a young, good looking, black man. I hope this gives you different perspective. Thanks.

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