Scenario: You Are Journaling With A Friend Who Has Never ✓ Solved

Scenario: You are journaling with a friend who has never

Scenario: You are journaling with a friend who has never spent time in the United States but plans to come to live. Your friend has expressed curiosity and concern about some of the challenging diversity issues facing the United States. You have decided to write a journal entry to describe some aspects of what your friend can expect. Identify three problematic diversity issues to discuss in your journal entry (race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, age, language, disability). Select different issues than those you’ve addressed in the previous weeks of this course.

Write a journal entry that addresses each of the three diversity issues you’ve identified. Each diversity issue should be addressed in 175 to 225 words. To craft your journal entry, consider what you’ve learned in this course and observed in your life, and address the following: Where in America would the person moving here likely see or experience each issue (workplace, education institutions, armed forces, sports, religious organizations/institutions, families, politics/government, entertainment/media, justice system, health care, etc.)? What are the causes of each issue? From your perspective, why did each become an issue, and why does each issue continue to exist? What is at least one effect of each issue on the U.S. as a country and its citizens individually? In your opinion, what are possible strategies and solutions for overcoming these issues today and in the future? Discuss what the person moving to the U.S. might do to be a part of the solution.

Paper For Above Instructions

Dear Friend,

I am excited to hear that you are planning to move to the United States. As you prepare for this significant transition, I want to share my thoughts on some diversity issues that may be challenging here. I've identified three critical areas: race, class, and gender. Each of these issues has deep roots in American society and can be encountered in various settings.

The first issue is race. The United States has a complicated history regarding race relations, especially between Black and white communities. This issue manifests most visibly in the workplace and the justice system. Black Americans often face discrimination during hiring processes and within workplace environments, resulting in significant economic disparities (Bennett, 2020). Systemic racism persists due to historical injustices such as slavery and segregation, which have long-lasting effects on societal structures. This issue contributes to social unrest and affects quality of life, as marginalized racial groups may experience higher rates of poverty and incarceration (Alexander, 2012). To combat racial discrimination, awareness and education are vital. You can participate in community discussions and support organizations aimed at promoting racial equality.

Next, let's consider class. Economic inequality is a pressing concern in the United States, clearly visible in education and healthcare. The wealth gap between the rich and the poor has been widening for decades, making it difficult for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to access quality education and health services (Piketty, 2014). This class divide stems from policies favoring the affluent and systemic barriers entrenched in the education system, reinforcing cycles of poverty (Corcoran, 1995). The effects of class disparity include increased crime rates and lower social mobility (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010). As someone new to the U.S., engaging with initiatives that promote economic equity can help; for instance, volunteering for organizations that provide education and support to underprivileged communities can be a great starting point.

Finally, I want to discuss gender issues, particularly those related to gender inequality in the workplace and politics. Despite significant progress, women in the U.S. still face barriers in achieving wage equality and representation in leadership roles (Blau & Kahn, 2013). Gender discrimination persists due to societal norms and stereotypes that continue to undermine women's capabilities (Eagly & Carli, 2007). The effects of gender inequality are profound; they not only limit women's opportunities but also negatively impact economic growth and societal well-being (World Economic Forum, 2020). Addressing gender issues requires collective effort, and you can contribute by supporting feminist organizations and advocating for policies that promote equal rights and opportunities for all genders.

In conclusion, as you transition to life in the United States, I encourage you to approach these diversity issues with an open mind. Educating yourself and participating in community efforts can create a positive impact. The challenges are significant, but together we can work towards solutions that promote equity and understanding for all.

References

• Alexander, M. (2012). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
• Bennett, A. (2020). Race and Economic Opportunity: A Review of Literature. Harvard University.
• Blau, F. D., & Kahn, L. M. (2013). The Gender Wage Gap: Extent, Trends, and Explanations. Journal of Economic Literature, 55(3), 789-865.
• Corcoran, M. (1995). Rags to Riches: The Role of Family in Economic Mobility. Perspectives on Poverty Research. 2nd Edition.
• Eagly, A. H., & Carli, L. L. (2007). Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Harvard University Press.
• Wilkinson, R. G., & Pickett, K. (2010). The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone. Penguin Books.
• World Economic Forum. (2020). Global Gender Gap Report 2020. World Economic Forum.