Diversity in its core is a variety of races, religions, and beliefs. In the United States, we
can see on a daily basis how diverse our country is. The question is then, why is our country so
divided? This semester we have learned a plethora of different materials and the takeaways
these materials may have on us. I personally have learned many takeaways from this course. I
never realized how “ignorant” I was, to different races, religions, and beliefs until I took this
class. Five takeaways I learned from this class are, think before you speak, when you do speak,
own your stuff, be kind to others, don’t stereotype/ judge, and listen to others. I think these
five takeaways from this semester have made me form better opinions and to have less
judgment on people.
All five of these takeaways have a very important meaning in the world today and many
of us forget the meaning of these five takeaways. Think before you speak is a very important
takeaway that a lot of us forget on a daily basis. I think many of us were taught this at a very
young age but forget to remember it when we are talking with others. I know at a young age, I
was taught to always make sure you thought before you spoke to make sure what you were
saying wouldn’t hurt others. I can distinctly remember at least one time throughout the
modules, how hurt I was that certain races were outcasted and treated inappropriately by
others actions and others comments. I remember during Chapter 2, “Implicit Bias” section we
learned about a lady named Melanie Funchess. Her story this semester was, for me, the most
powerful one. She spoke about how when she was a little girl, who was African American, was
in school and her teacher, who was white, kept telling her the answer she wrote on the board
was wrong. Finally, the teacher said, “You Nword can’t do anything right.” When I heard this
TedTalk it really hit me really hard. This teacher had such an implicit bias towards African
Americans that she didn’t even recognize what she said was not only wrong but such a
demeaning thing to say to someone, especially a little girl. I think that this story really
represents that you have to think about what you say before you say it. Many people aren’t like
Melanie. Many people would have given up, especially a little girl, like she was. One thing you
say can forever change the way people view not only themselves but others too.
Melanie Funchess, in her TedTalk mentions that there is hope. One way to have hope is
to “own your own stuff.” I think this takeaway is my favorite one I’ve learned this semester
because it really makes you accountable for your own actions and words. I chose owning your
stuff as one of my five takeaways because so many times I have heard or seen people say things
and then saying they didn’t say those things so they wouldn’t look racist. This is the problem
