In today’s workplaces, diversity is more than just a buzzword. It’s about understanding and respecting differences in race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and culture. Many people feel uncomfortable when faced with diversity, often due to what are known as the “Five Ds of Difference.” If individuals can overcome the first four, they’ll discover that the fifth D can bring rewarding experiences.
The Five Ds of Difference
-
Distancing: This occurs when people avoid interacting with those who are different. It can be physical, emotional, or intellectual distancing. The goal here is to not confront the discomfort of diversity by keeping a distance from it.
-
Denial: In this case, people refuse to acknowledge differences. For example, a student once told Jeffery, a professor of multicultural psychology, “When I look at you, I don’t see that you are Asian, I just see you as a person.” This denial disregarded Jeffery’s unique experiences as an Asian American. Jeffery responded, explaining that denying someone’s identity, like ignoring a woman’s experiences with sexism, is equally dismissive.
-
Defensiveness: When people encounter diversity, they may defend the status quo, arguing that things have already improved and that there’s no need to address differences anymore. For instance, some might claim that civil rights laws passed in the 1960s have solved discrimination, so there’s no need for further discussion.
-
Devaluing: Here, differences are seen as insignificant or inferior. Some people may believe that for everyone to fit in, individuals should adopt the majority’s perspective, disregarding their unique backgrounds and experiences.
The Fifth D: Discovery
To foster a more inclusive environment, managers should encourage employees to embrace the fifth D: Discovery. By recognizing and exploring differences, individuals can find that diversity enriches their lives. For example, many White college students initially felt uncomfortable with the warm, close-knit interactions of their Latinx friends’ families, who greeted them with hugs and kisses. Over time, they grew to appreciate these gestures and felt more connected.
In the business world, companies may initially resist new approaches that differ from their own practices. For instance, when some businesses first ventured into the online market, many viewed it as a passing trend. However, embracing this difference ultimately expanded their reach and became a standard practice, significantly increasing their revenue.
The key takeaway is that rather than distancing, denying, defending, or devaluing differences, embracing them can lead to personal and professional growth. By valuing diversity, we open ourselves to new opportunities and experiences that can benefit us in unexpected ways.
Related topics:
