Compared to the past, in which the vision of the diversity As something shameful, to be avoided or even to be eliminated (we have historical examples), today we talk about what is considered “different from itself” with other approaches: diversity can be the cause of discrimination and commiseration, but also a resource. However, it is important to recognize that experiences of discrimination and prejudice can leave significant trauma, which require attention and support to be overcome.
In this article we will explore What we mean by diversitybecause it represents a value for personal and collective growth and how we can transmit this inclusive approach to children, since the preschool age. You will also discover practical suggestions to answer their questions and ideas to cultivate a welcoming attitude.
What is diversity?
There diversity It is a concept that embraces all the differences that make each individual unique and irreplaceable.
The society in which we live is made up of substantial and necessary differences: The diversity of gender, age, generations, of social members are those that we consider normal. By expanding the vision to the macrosystem we come across cultures, religions, skin color, times and ways of living different from us.
Diversity does not only concern But also our ways of thinking, of seeing reality, of feeling the emotions that orient our behaviors. The differences can separate but also unite people, because they make us unique and define our identity.
Understanding diversity means recognize and respect This vast mosaic of human experiences, considering it a fundamental element of our civilization.
Diversity as value and resource
The true value of diversity lies in its ability to enrich society and the individual. When we open up to different perspectives, we stimulate creativity, we improve the ability to solve problems and build more resilient and empathic community. Accepting diversity is not just an act of tolerancebut an opportunity for personal and collective growth, where each difference becomes a precious resource for everyone.
The influence of culture on the concept of diversity
Each of us is influenced by the social and cultural system in which it grows and lives, which is characterized by shared mental patterns and stereotypes. The learning of attitudes towards what is different from itself takes place through the process of inculturationthat is, the assimilation of the social culture to which each individual belongs.
The phase of why
In the growth process, the child crosses various stages of development and learning. Between two and three years the “phase of why” begins, which arises from one curiosity towards what he does not know or to attract attention. At the beginning, the interest is to establish an interaction with the adult and the child will also be satisfied with summary answers: the important thing is that a contact has been established.
The insertion of the child in the peer group
With entry into the school, the “why” will be fed by a different interest and the children will expect more articulated answers. In the relationship with their peers the differences will emerge and all those aspects that characterize each of us.
At this stage the most frequent questions concern the physical appearance, the way of speaking and behaving, the color of the skin. For example, the child will ask himself: “Why does that child write with the left?”, “Why does he cry continuously?” and so on. These questions will be addressed to their parents and adults who are part of his reference system such as grandparents, older brothers or sisters, teachers.
The responses that feed the prejudice
“Why does that child have a color of the skin different from mine?”: If in front of this question the adult wants to avoid the topic, or he feels caught by surprise, embarrassed or unprepared, he will tend to sketch a generic response. This will also be accompanied by non -verbal language, such as looking elsewhere or silencing the child. The consequence will be that the child will see the topic as taboos, and the prejudice will still be fed and handed down.
The adult responses are important for a child in his evolutionary period because his initial vision of the world is based on the teachings and advice of the parents and adults of his system to which they belong.
The answers that help to grow inclusive
The child is free from prejudices and is curious in the face of diversity. He is a careful observer, notes the differences and wants to understand them, don’t judge them. But Can the adult explain diversity without falling into prejudice? It is possible, paying attention to tackling the topic in the right way. Here are some tips:
- Inquire about the themes of diversity And of disability, to understand how to deal with them and respond naturally just how you would do for any other topic.
- Let the child understand that it is natural that there are differences Among human beings and that it is the differences that make us unique.
- Speak clearly and authenticlywith simple words that do not deny diversity.
- Help the child understand diversity with practical examples: explain the difference between those who wear glasses and who does not, who have hair and who is bald, between those who walk in the wheelchair and who is not, who is deaf and who feels.
- Talk not only of the differences, but also of what people have in common.
- Alternating answers with questions: Ask the child, for example, what he shares with the other will help him find a way to recognize himself and create closeness.
- Recognize the skills in every childenhancing everyone’s peculiarities and underlining how everyone can be good at something and less in something else.
- In the case of disabilityexplain that the person can do the things that others do, with his specific ways.
Diversity is a source of enrichment and growth. So teaching to know and respect the differences, stimulating the interaction with the other, it will be the starting point for an inclusive and free attitude from prejudices.
A path to acceptance and inclusion
Hugging diversity is a journey that begins with awareness and continues with education and empathy. Creating an environment in which each person feels seen, listened to and enhanced for his own uniqueness is fundamental for everyone’s psychological well -being.
If you feel the need to explore these themes or to face the challenges related to feeling ‘different’, a psychological path can offer you a safe and support space. Unabravo is by your side to help you find the most suitable professional for you: the questionnaire starts to find your psychologist online.
