Exposure to Difference Matters

I’m so grateful that my parents intentionally exposed me to people from all different walks of life. My social circle includes wealthy people, poor people, republicans, democrats, heterosexuals, homosexuals, Americans, Non-Americans, Whites, Blacks, Ohio State Fans, Michigan Fans (I didn’t say my parents perfect were perfect. Ha!), and lots of other types of folks.

Because of this exposure, I know how to empathize and listen to the perspective of others, even if I disagree.

Because of this exposure, critical thinking comes naturally as I can solve complex problems considering multiple viewpoints.

Because of this exposure, I can relate to people different from myself.

Those battling against DEI education in schools feel like they’re protecting their kid’s emotional well-being by mitigating potential triggers for guilt and shame. I get it; I’m a parent too. I will not allow anyone to shame my children.

The question we should all ponder is this, “What is the long-term impact of fighting against DEI education?”

Are we unintentionally teaching kids to discount the viewpoints of others who claim unfair treatment? To censor the perspectives of those with beliefs that conflict with our own? To require assimilation to our way instead of understanding and appreciating theirs? To equate the teaching of different cultures and experiences as a threat vs. an enrichment to our history lessons? To anticipate the world will also operate like our corner of it?

Worried about shame and guilt now? In the future, how successful will these protected kids perform collaborating across differences? Will they thrive or struggle under leaders who don’t look or think like them?

How ashamed will they feel when confronted with the harsh reality that they are woefully ill-prepared to perform and compete in a globalized market that requires multicultural competence?

We can hedge against this risk.

Empathy matters. Exposure to difference matters. DEI education matters.