Un comfort Zone

When someone struggles with diversity, it is most often not because that person is racist, sexist or homophobic. Rather it is because psychologically people are most comfortable with individuals similar to themselves. This was cogently illustrated during a recent trip my husband and I took to Spain. Despite our enjoyment of the wine, museums and plazas, our ears perked up every time we heard other Americans speaking. We often had little directly in common with these tourists, but the comfort and familiarity of an American dialect drew us together. This same dynamic applies equally domestically.

Whether at work, school or in social situations, most Americans associate with others who have similar traits, educational levels, backgrounds and experiences. This is not done to intentionally exclude others, but rather out of subconscious comfort. Because this dynamic works subconsciously, it can only be balanced out by conscious effort. Taking the time to learn more about people of different ethnicities and backgrounds enhances familiarity and brings those people into our comfort zone.

Diversity training can facilitate this goal. Not just by teaching us about colleagues of different backgrounds, but perhaps more importantly by bringing us in closer contact with one another. Through this learning and exposure, individuals are often struck to learn how much they have in common with those whom they previously thought were so different. It takes time, and it takes effort, but the rewards are immeasurable.