what do you think about diversity courses? A waste of time?

Answer 1

In my opinion diversity courses are a waste of time. A more pragmatic and cost-efficient approach would be "intercultural communication" courses. This automatically covers diversity with the addition of teaching proper international business etiquette and dealing with other cultures (how other cultures think/percieve and avoiding faux pass - I stress the importance of that one!).

Since the primary focus of diversity trainers is to enable employees of a company to function in a heterogeneous or global economy anyway might as well go for intercultural communication from the beginning.

It will save you resources and effort.

Answer 2

I have no problem with having courses that educate people about different cultures. That's a good thing to teach.

At the same time, the word "diversity" makes me cringe because if we truly believe that all people are humans we realize that what people are on the inside makes them unique and what they are on the outside doesn't necessarily say anything about what they are on the inside.

"Diversity" is about different views, and different views can come from people of the same culture/race or different. People of different races may share the exact same views.

I happen to value what all humans share in common and see any differences as incidental. I think teaching a better understanding of basic psychology and human nature and relationships would be more valuable than than course which emphasize differences and treat them as if they are an end in themselves.

Answer 3

It depends on context. I am on a training where among 20 students there are 3 Muslims, one European married to a Muslim, one cultural Hindu, one member of a Hindu-based Western faith, one Jew, and among the other 13 one is black, two are of mixed race, and one other is Continental European. People are of both genders, both sexual orientations, all social classes, and range in age from 25 to 61. So in that context, diversity awareness is best facilitated and added to by informal and perhaps formal discussion and sharing within the group. But if you are on a training in some college where literally everyone is from the same culture (white middle-class, black working-class, Indian ethnic origin, all lesbians, whatever it might be) then some active component of raising awareness of diversity and cultural difference is very likely to be beneficial. People in general are simply not aware that it makes a difference to our experience, unless they have lived in more than one country, are themselves from a minority in their city, or use regularly more than one language.

Answer 4

It depends on the quality of the instruction, the willingness of the attendees to learn. Lots of people would benefit from learning about other cultures and not thinking that their own particular background is the "best." I object to people who have an agenda of cramming their own particular point of view down people's throats and calling it "diversity training." And I think people should be allowed to retain their own preferences and ideas, as long as their civil about it.

Answer 5

there is no easy answer. But there are many people of this world who need some type of diversity training! SO until you come up with the solution...btw, if you do you'll be a gazillionare!

Answer 6

I'll admit they're a lost cause for some (not that I'm pointing any fingers), but I think they're a good idea generally.

Answer 7

They suck and yes are a waste of time.