|
A recent letter from a white male speech-language pathologist in New Hampshire regarding diversity raised an interesting point. So often when we think of diversity we think of culture and sexual orientation, but how shallow that thinking really is. My race is Caucasian and I too am a male-testosterone and all. I grew up in a lower-middle class neighborhood in times of racial rioting. My family has been riddled with illnesses and disabilities as long as I can recall. I was held at knifepoint at age 14 and had a gun stuck in my back a year later. I have had close friends of several races and it has never been an issue for me. I can go to church on Saturday night and go out for a drink afterwards. I am nothing if not eclectic. During the most challenging period of my life I received invaluable help from others but it was my own strength that brought me through it. As therapists, we focus on learning to treat people of various cultures based on their life perspective. Although this is very important, there is far more to diversity than culture and sexual orientation. Treating all people with respect builds character and gives them the strength that one day might help them through a crisis. Regardless of race or disability, nearly everyone benefits from an individual who understands that diversity is found mostly beneath the level of the skin.
Paul Imbert
Kenmore, NY
PauliSpeechGuy@aol.com
|