How to Build Respect for Differences
Recognize that
many of our ideas and beliefs about race and culture were learned as children.
Ask yourself, "As a child, what spoken or unspoken message did I receive
about people of different races and cultures?"
Prepare in advance
how you will respond to discriminatory remarks, jokes, and behavior.
Support institutional
efforts to embrace diversity. Ask institutional leaders about their plans
for diversity.
Read about another
racial or cultural group or attend a local cultural celebration.
Do smile -- don't
stare at those different from yourself.
Understand the
changing demographics of Minnesota and how they will contribute to economic
prosperity. For example, according to the Minnesota Planning Department, "nonwhite
workers will account for almost half of the gain in the state's labor force
from 1990 to 2020."
In the 2005-06
school year, non-white students made up 25% of the student population in
Rochester public schools. Consider volunteering with these students or
volunteer with refugee and immigrant families through the Intercultural
Mutual Assistance Association.
