Thesis Statement: Diversity sparks interest, promotes respect and may lead to unwanted conflict which can be resolved through tolerance and understanding.

Introduction

I. Attention Material

A. “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads are equal in value no matter what their color.” These words are by Maya Angelou accessed from thinkexist.com.

II. Orienting Material

A. Tie to the audience: Isn’t it ironic? Something we all have in common is diversity.

B. Credibility: Merriamwebster.com defines diversity in this way: “the condition or instance of having or being composed of different elements or qualities.”

C.Thesis statement/preview: Diversity sparks interest, promotes respect, and may also lead to conflict which can be resolved through tolerance, understanding and communication.

Transition: Living in times of freedom and expressiveness, it is easy to find interest around every corner. Diversity fulfills this for the curious mind.

Body

I. Diversity sparks interest.

A. Diversity may influence personal principles.

1. Once you learn more about a culture, religion, or society, your values may be altered.

2. Morals and beliefs vary all over the world. Ina psychology class that I took previously, I was informed that society can be distributed into two main types of lifestyles: individualistic and collectivist.

a. The typical western individualist is a “self-made man” and will be applauded for his or her personal success and be valued for the individual’s attempt at reaching a personal goal.

b. However, the typical eastern collectivist would rather help others help him or herself. Culture has taught this person to lower his or herself and raise up others to work for the good of society over oneself.

c. Ins’t it interesting how the two hemispheres of the earth can have completely different views on how to live a “good” life? And neither of these beliefs can be described as completely “right” or completely “wrong.”

B. Interest broadens horizons.

1. Learning about other cultures, societies, beliefs or even languages will increase your understanding of not only that place or person, but also yourself and the idea of diversity.

II. Diversity promotes respect.

A. Diversity can provide enlightening experiences.

1. Knowledge gained is respect gained.

a. Educating yourself on diversity and being open-minded can give you a whole new view of the people around you.

b Respect is an important value in all cultures in some way. this saying suits all cultures and ties us all together. Respect each other.

B. Diversity teaches empathy.

1. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another person’s position.

2. Empathy is vital in order to respect differences.

3. It can be difficult to understand another person’s perspective or beliefs, but empathy is promoted in this way which leads to lasting respect and friendships.

Transition: On the opposite spectrum, diversity can also lead to conflict.

III. Diversity paves the way for conflict.

A. Differences lead to disagreements and barriers.

1. Arguments may end in dissolved friendships, hurt feelings or even war.

B. However, disambiguation of this diverse nature can lead to a solution of this conflict. Communication is imperative in solving disagreements.

1. Tolerance of another’s morals or cultures can settle disturbed waters, whether it be with a friend in a swimming pool or another nation at sea.

2. Communication establishes empathy, respect, and tolerance between mutual parties which can be foundational to dissolving disputes.

Transition: Diversity is definitely something to be thankful for.

Conclusion

I. Summary

A. Diversity flavors our world, and these spicy, sweet, sour, salty and even bitter flavors come together to promote interest, respect, conflict, and resolution.

B. I thank diversity for who I am, and I thank diversity for who each of your have become.

II. Clincher

A. I’ll leave you with these words from Robert Schuller quoted from thinkesist.com, “As we grow as unique persons, we learn to respect the uniqueness of others.”

References

Thinkexist.com (1999). Retrieved from http://www.thinkexist.com

Webster, M. (2011). Diversity. Marriam-webster. Retrieved June 10, 2011, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity