Similarly, the term “Diversity” and its implications has generated vast discussions, but the same vagueness does not exist for the term. According to the same source, the definition of Diversity is: “the condition of being diverse: variety; especially: the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization
A definition of multiculturalism and diversity that attempts to capture the nature of these terms is found on the NAIS website (National Association of Independent Schools). Diversity is defined by the NAIS as “…who we are. It is quantitative…it is determined by race, gender, and culture. On a more subtle level…class, sexual orientation, religion, ability and appearance” (NAIS) Multiculturalism is defined as “…an evolving process. It is qualitative. It is the shift that occurs when we stop defining everyone by one cultural norm and move to an understanding of multiple norms.” (NAIS)
Utilizing the NAIS’s definition of Diversity and Multiculturalism we begin to see that diversity is more of a concrete term that relies on measurable human aspects while multiculturalism is more abstract and relies on a worldview or an intellectual outlook that relies on the individual making a commitment to decenter and deconstruct the norms.
However, that being said I believe that these two terms, as defined by the NAIS, are in direct conflict with one another. Diversity asks us to categorize people and in doing so it also asks that we create definitions for terms like sex, religion, race, and in doing so we are creating norms. You either fit into female or male, lesbian or gay or straight, black or white. In particular, it asks us to create a concrete definition of culture, which by its very nature is neither one thing nor a concrete thing. The NAIS definition of multiculturalism is asking that we create a spectrum of what it means to be female and the definition of diversity is asking us to be one thing female and then be defined by that term. By making this distinction it suggests that diversity is objective and does not account for subjectivity while Multiculturalism is subjective and does not account for objectivity. In other words, multiculturalism allows one to define oneself, while diversity allows context to define an individual.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University has a definition of diversity on their website that takes into consideration the conflict between a qualitative and quantitative definition of the terms. According to the LAS, diversity is more than “tolerating difference it is a set of conscious practices” that involve such things as:
* Understanding and appreciating interdependence of humanity, cultures, and the natural environment.
* Practicing mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from our own.
* Understanding that diversity includes not only ways of being but also ways of knowing;
* Recognizing that personal, cultural and institutionalized discrimination creates and sustains privileges for some while creating and sustaining disadvantages for others;
* Building alliances across differences so that we can work together to eradicate all forms of discrimination. (LAS)
Furthermore, it states that they acknowledge that categories of difference are not always fixed, but are fluid and that an individual has the right to identify themselves as they so choose. (LAS) It seems that in their definition the LAS has combined the definitions of diversity and multiculturalism and lumped them into the one term “diversity”. They made diversity a subjective term, in which one is allowed to define oneself how they choose, but also requires that they recognize other’s rights to do the same.
Because there is no set definition of either of these terms, each group or individual can create their own. It is in this environment that libraries and librarians must navigate the terms of multiculturalism and diversity. They must decide how they choose to define multiculturalism and diversity and how they will incorporate these ideas into their policies and procedures.
After researching the library and multiculturalism and diversity it appears that many are more comfortable with the term diversity and it is generally limited to racial and ethnic minority groups. The ALA in particular offers a variety of diversity resources, but they seem to be limited to ethnic and racial minority groups. (ALA)You can find a variety of committees, offices, policies regarding diversity, but it is difficult to find anything regarding multiculturalism. Perhaps, it is because libraries are not yet comfortable with the term, or it is more difficult to incorporate the ideas associated with multiculturalism into the library.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think that these two terms mean the same thing?
2. Are both Multiculturalism and Diversity equally important in the library?
3. How would your definition of M and D affect your choices as a librarian?
4. Why do you think libraries and other institutions are more comfortable using the term Diversity and not Multiculturalism?
ALA. (n.d.). Office of Diversity. Retrieved April 10, 2008, from ALA: http://www.ala.org/ala/diversity/diversity.cfm
LAS. (n.d.). Definition of Diversity. Retrieved April 8, 2008, from Iowa State University: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: http://www.las.iastate.edu/diversity/definition.shtml
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (n.d.). "Diversity". Retrieved April 4, 2008, from Merriam-Webster Online: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (n.d.). "Multiculturalism". Retrieved April 04, 2008, from Merriam-Webster Online: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiculturalism
NAIS. (n.d.). Equality and Justice. Retrieved 06 April, 2008, from NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools): http://www.nais.org/equity/index.cfm?itemnumber=146141&sn.ItemNumber=147381&tn.ItemNumber=142544
11 comments:
This is a very interesting topic to address especially after remembering the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death. It is 40 years after his death and we are still looking at people and their skin color and wondering how we should address people of different races or religious beliefs. I wonder why we can't treat everyone as equal humans and include literature that reflect all themes and this be a normal thing and not something that has to be studied.
Every patron should be judged equally with a clean slate that way you can truly service the person without sterotypes or biases.
Do you think that these two terms mean the same thing?
Multiculturalisn and diversity have similiar traits but they are not the same. Based on the aforementioned definitins in the original blog, multiculturalism is acknowledging many cultures and their valuable input. Diversity is more broad and covers more than just culture or race.
2. Are both Multiculturalism and Diversity equally important in the library?
To have to ask this question concerns me. All people should be represented in the library as the library is there to serve all.
I read an article,"Diversity, Do you Walk the Talk". written by SANDY SCHUCKETT. The tone of the article concerned me because in parts it was calling for people of color to come forward and help librarians and educators relate to people from different cultures. In my most humble opinion, that bothers me because this means someone can look at me and judge how I may be based on my color and then think that they have to address me in some special or different manner. One thing that is certain we all are humans and have basic human needs and functions. We all have a desire to love and be loved, to succeed and live and learn and I strongly beleive that if we learn to address people like people instead of a demographic our responces would be more favorable.
1. Do you think that these two terms mean the same thing? No. I think that Multiculturalism falls under the umbrella of diversity. Diversity is a variety of anything.- cultures, species, viewpoints. Multiculturalism is many cultures. It is just a variety of one thing.
2. Are both Multiculturalism and Diversity equally important in the library? Yes. The library should work to incorporate a diverse range of viewpoints from many cultures.
3. How would your definition of M and D affect your choices as a librarian? In purchasing books and arranging programming, you want to make sure your selections encompass a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
4. Why do you think libraries and other institutions are more comfortable using the term Diversity and not Multiculturalism? They have similar meanings. Diversity is a shorter word and, in my opinion, kind of encompasses the concept of multiculturalism. Something that is diverse, would include many cultures.
These two terms Multiculturalism and Diversity do not mean the same thing. Multiculturalism is the variety in culture, while diversity is the differences between these cultural varieties. We shouldn’t be different or indifferent to each other just because we have different cultures.
These two terms are important in the library because librarians have to learn to and be aware of the different people that will come to use the library. Librarians also have to learn ‘the people’ character so as not to embarrass patrons as a result of the patron’s accent or pronunciation. This will help librarians as well as books on other cultures in the library on different cultures.
Because of cultural variety I will like to be in that section of the library where I will have the opportunity to meet the many different people; the reference desk or circulation. Just talking to these people and getting to meet their needs in the library I think is a wonderful learning opportunity. This does not only broaden your knowledge but helps you fit in the notion about librarian “the know alls”.
I think libraries and other institutions use diversity more comfortably because knowing the difference between two people helps in relating to them. If the multiculturalism is used, it often brings friction because of peoples’ personal believes. You may not mind people from Asia or Africa but cannot stand people from a particular country in those places. It is enough to know the person is different than trying to dig in to their culture.
Well expressed, de aidre g. I totally agree with everything you have stated. After reading the blog, a question that I posed to myself was how the LIS program became so lacking in diversity in the first place. This is a huge concern to me because if there is a lack of diversity overall in LIS programs this means that there are a limited number of LIS professionals which may lead if not addressed to a lack of overall minority contribution and representation within the field, which may cause the minorities who are in the field, to not be well represented. I think that it is important for everyone to feel “comfortable” (in terms of not having to be the only individual of “one” race or gender for example within a work institution). For my library leader assignment, I chose to research Virginia Proctor Powell Florence, the first African American women to complete a library science program. Although she successfully completed the program, she did not receive her degree to several years later because the library school in which she graduated was uncomfortable given her a degree because she was black and female, due to heavy racism going on during that time (Black Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia), which is extremely sad and unfortunate.
Nevertheless, multiculturalism and diversity should be very important for everyone to be aware of in my opinion, in order to help “protect” minorities from some of the unfairness that exist and in which they will most likely encounter. I think that it is also important not only for the field of librarianship but for any career profession to make sure that they include a diverse staff in order to “even out” more what could be considered “barrier blocks” to feeling capable of entering into any career (so that there would not be a need for certain groups of people who are mostly in the "blue-collar jobs” to feel as if they could never be (or if so would not be able to advance higher) in “white-collar jobs,” for example).
Black Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia. Volume 1 and 2, Edited by Darlene Clark Hine. Copyright 1993, Carlson Publishing Inc., Brooklyn, New York. ISBN 0-926019-61-9.
"All people should be represented in the library as the library is there to serve all." I love the way you put that, De aidre - very concise and balanced. I also agree with you that it is a concern how slow progress is, but it at least progression is being made. I used to use this example from my own family (and I'm not proud of all of this - it's unfortunately how things used to be). When my grandmother was young, she would walk down the street, and if an African American was walking towards her, she would cross to the other side. When my mother was young and saw a black person walking towards her, she would keep walking but maybe hold her purse a little tighter. When I walk down the street, I just think, there's a black person walking towards me - no big deal. Hopefully the next generation will think only there's a person walking towards me and nothing more.
The more people are exposed to a notion or a culture or anything, the less different or "frightening" it becomes. The same idea holds true for both librarians and the collections they represent.
I think that diversity is just the state of being different. However multiculturalism goes beyond diversity, it is the state of diverse groups living in harmony in the same society. Those two concepts are important in the libraries; librarians should create programs that serve the diversity and foster multiculturalism. Actually by attending diversity programs community will be engaging in multiculturalism, they will learn about each other’s which will allow them to live in harmony.
Do you think that these two terms mean the same thing?
I think that they are similar but definetly not the same.
Are both Multiculturalism and Diversity equally important in the library?
I think that they are equally important in the library, you should be able to be differnt.
How would your definition of M and D affect your choices as a librarian?
I don't think either word would affect my choices as a librarian everyone should be treated equally.
The Oxford Dictionary of the Social Sciences points out that multiculturalism is generally "associated with the belief that racial, ethnic, and other groups should maintain their distinctive cultures within society yet live together with mutual tolerance and respect." The term "diversity" really boils down to exhibiting variety (Oxford English Dictionary).
I don't see the NAIS definitions of diversity and multiculturalism as being in conflict. Their definition of diversity is essentially "variety". It is an acknowledgement of difference, that we are not all exactly the same. Their definition of multiculturalism is geared toward toward the question of how we deal with this difference, once we've acknowledged it. Key to the NAIS definition of multiculturalism is the phrase "stop defining everyone by one cultural norm" [emphasis mine]. I agree that there's a subjective element, but here subjectivity comes from the valuation of these differences. To provide a concrete example: Diversity refers the fact that there is more than one religious group in a specific population. A multicultural approach to the fact of that diversity means not valuing the religious beliefs of one group over the others.
I this context, the LAS definition (or perhaps redefinition) of diversity does seem more a definition of "multiculturalism".
Are both multiculturalism and diversity equally important in a library? I think diversity is unavoidable. People are different, and we can be clumped in many different ways. And be cause diversity is unavoidable, as librarians we need to adopt a multicultural approach, valuing each for what they bring to the table, being aware of our differences as well as our samenesses, always striving not to make value judgements about others because of their differences (or apparent samenesses).
"diverse adjective" The Oxford Dictionary of English (revised edition). Ed. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson. Oxford University Press, 2005. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. University of Detroit, Mercy Library. 17 April 2008 [http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t140.e21832]
"diversity noun" The Oxford Dictionary of English (revised edition). Ed. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson. Oxford University Press, 2005. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. University of Detroit, Mercy Library. 17 April 2008 [http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t140.e21835>
"multiculturalism" Dictionary of the Social Sciences. Craig Calhoun, ed. Oxford University Press 2002. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. University of Detroit, Mercy Library. 17 April 2008 [http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t104.e1123]
I see what you are saying Russell, but I still believe that the conflict arises because Diversity according to the NAIS is more concrete, physical and Multicultural is abstract. You emphasised "one cultural norm" as being important to multiculturalism, but one culture is important to the definition of diversity. People must fall into categories of "culture" according to the definition of diversity. According to the definition of multiculturalism the cultural norm should be decenter...not just majority groups, but minority groups. Culture by nature is not one thing and should never be a category because to define it makes it concrete...and things that do not change become irrelevant and die.
I hope this makes sense. When I write this I am thinking of people like Ngugi Wa'thiongo and the author Zakes Mda and Loomba...if my books were not packed I would have a million wonderful quotes for you.
It seems despite saying so much (or perhaps because of it) I haven't made myself clear ...?
The fact that diversity is concrete and multiculturalism is abstract doesn't present any kind of conflict. From what you've said, I think I agree with your assessments of multiculturalism. But I'm not sure how you read what I wrote and came away with my thinking one cultural norm is important to multiculturalism .... I thought I said pretty clearly, it's a stand that says we should stop defining according to a one cultural norm. The point is that there are many cultures, many norms (i.e., there is diversity), and all have value.
I also agree that culture isn't any one particular thing; that to attempt to quantify it is simply to capture a segment of it at moment in time in a particular place. A good metaphor for culture is the river: in constant motion, never exactly the same from moment to moment, but generally proceeding in the same direction.
At the same time, while culture may not be 'one thing', certainly there are different cultures (I myself am a part of many cultures, some overlapping, some not). Cultures are frequently defined by outsiders rather than insiders, though I think we are becoming increasingly likely to self-identify as we become more aware of the diversity that surrounds us.
According to most (non-"diversity statement") definitions of diversity, cultural categorization is a nonissue. All that is required is an acknowledgment of differences. Diversity isn't a philosophy, it's a state: "the condition of being diverse: variety".
I guess I don't see how the acknowledgement of difference can in any way conflict with the concept of a decentralized norm. And if there isn't diversity (if there isn't difference) then you can't have multiculturalism, because everyone is exactly the same. And conversations like this don't happen. *wink*
I do not think that Multiculturalism and Diversity are the same thing. I believe that libraries are more comfortable with the word "diversity" because it is more neutral. Multiculturalism is actually more of a political agenda, which as other bloggers have pointed out, not everyone agrees with. Libraries are supposed to promote all points of view, and outright promoting multiculturalism disenfranchises those who might not agree with its aims. Diversity is simply the presence of a variety of viewpoints and materials, which actually fits well with the ALA bill of rights and many libraries' mission statements. Multiculturalism as a viewpoint should be represented in the library, but as not everyone agrees with it, "diversity" would demand that alternatives to multicultural viewpoints are available.
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