Cultural Diversity

Today’s college campuses reflect the diversity of the UAE population, but are you aware how diverse the UAE is? And why that’s a reason to celebrate?

Race, Ethnic Groups and Culture

Race: generally refers to a group with similar inherited features.Ethnic group: refers to a group that shares language, national origin or religious tradition. Culture: refers to the behaviors and beliefs characteristic shared by a group of people. The ideas and behaviors of an ethnic group, for example, are part of their culture.

The Changing UAE Population

Figures published this month by National Bureau of Statistics indicated that 8.3 million were living in the country by mid-2010, up 65 per cent compared to mid-2006.The UAE population has dropped from 16.5 to 11.3 in 2006.

A Century of Change

Ethic UAE group figures in 1000

Emiratis 22.00%

Arab 12.50%

Asian 32.40%

Europeans 2.40%

American 0.10%

Other 17.00%

In 2013 the Emiratis are 11.5 %

What does the future hold for you, me, & us?

If the current rate of growth continues, the groups that make up a minority of the Emiratis account for up to 80 per cent of the population by 2030.If you live in or near an urban center, chances are that your community is already more diverse than you may think. In small communities it may be less so.

Other 60%Arabs Asians

European American

Other

Appreciating Diversity

Yet…Even in living in the UAE, people often tend

to seek out other people like themselves…Living in the UAE is a tremendous

opportunity to meet people unlike yourself!Seek out student groups, volunteer

opportunities, and organizations that help meet new people.

Research shows that students benefit from positive relations with other students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Diversity is the reason that UAE language, food, fashion, music, business, and accomplishments are as rich and varied as they are!

Broaden Your Diversity Vista

Make all people and groups feel welcome, including those with differences in age or ability.

Being Mindful of OthersRespect culture and diversityUnderstand gender issuesImprove your relationships with diverse othersDifferent isn’t bad, it’s just different

Diversity in UAE UAE’s most diverse settings, including both students and faculty.Despite opportunities to mix, people often associate with their “own kind.”Our fear of the unknown may keep us close to those whose background we share.This prevents us from taking advantage of the rich opportunities on campus to meet and learn about people who are different from us.

Discrimination and Prejudice on College Campuses

In addition to being morally and personally repugnant, discrimination is also ILLEGAL.

Respect & tolerance, on the Respect & tolerance, on the other hand, are highly other hand, are highly encouraged!encouraged!

Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice in Emarati social life

Many of us sincerely think that we are not prejudiced, but experts believe that every person harbors some prejudices.

Stereotypes lead us to view others in limited and limiting ways. There is so more to people than the social roles they play, or the groups to which they belong.

We tend to identify with others who are like us, and fear people who are different from us.

We tend to be ethnocentric—favoring groups we belong to and tending to think of them as superior.Some of us are also egocentric – thinking we are superior to everyone else.

Diversity Attitude Scale:Where are you?

Celebration“We need each other.”

Affirmation“I ’ve got something to learn

from you.”Civility

“I respect your rights.”Tolerance“You have a right to be here.”

Intolerance“I ’ll work to keep you out”

International Students

Most colleges have students from a wide range of countries.They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be different from those of Emarati students.If you are a UAE-born student, consider getting to know one or more international students; it will expand your education.If you are an international student, adapting to college in UAE may bring some confusion and problems; for help, read your text and ask your instructor.

Don’t Put Up with Sexual Harassment

It is estimated that two million women currently enrolled in college will experience some form of sexual harassment in their student lives.Sexual harassment includes several behaviors.

Gender harassment - sexist remarks and behavior that insult and degrade women, a problem apart from harassment for sex.Seductive behavior - unwanted, inappropriate, and offensive advances.Sexual bribery - harassment for sex, with the threat of punishment for refusal.

Every college is required by law to take action against sexual harassment.

Improve Your Relationships with Different Kinds of People

Honestly assess your attitudesPut yourself in perspective with othersSeek personal contactRespect differences but don’t overlook similaritiesSearch for more knowledgeTreat people as individuals rather than stereotyping themInclude, don’t exclude