Diversity training and cross-cultural awareness are two of the most popular ways to address workplace dynamics given the changing workforce demographics in the U.S. These efforts deal with issues at the organizational level so that changes occur in a systematic fashion.
Have you considered, however, the type of change this approach creates at the individual, personal level? It gives birth to a hyphenated identity. In terms of race and ethnicity, we become Hispanic-American, African-American, Jewish-American, Armenian-American, Irish-American, etc, etc. You could mix and match any other label and create many combinations based on political affiliation, sexual orientation, age, gender and any other type of differentiation you could identify in a group of people.
How does having a hyphenated identity help us become better professionals? I do not have a straight answer. Some say it facilitates the creation of stereotypes. Others claim it helps define and cement our identities.
The way I see it, having a hyphenated identity is like owning a hammer. You can use it to hit someone in the head or you can use it to hang a picture. It is all up to you.
For more on race, ethnicity and the changing face of America, go to:
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