History

My topic is pretty broad, so its definite history is unclear. If we start with the diversity aspect, this post could be millions of words long detailing the history of each different group whether the group is determined by language spoken, height, or income. But it is known that we tend to group with individuals who are alike us. Now the method of determining how one is similar with someone else is different for each individual. Yet, we do participate in “grouping.” Ten years ago it was probably the same way. Of course, there have always been issues with certain groups. For instance, when it comes to politics, the upper income-class tends to be with politicians who help their needs in tax breaks and company security. The lower-income individuals then support the candidates like Adrian Fenty who seem to be aware of social and income problems among the poor and try to help them.

However, society has slowly adapted to increasing diversity change in society. For example, in 1990 according to the census, of the Hispanics who returned the survey 60% were Mexican, 12% were Puerto Rican, 5% were Cuban and 23% fell under other Hispanics. The top three American cities with the highest Hispanic population were New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. When surveyed in 2000, the top three cities did not change, but Houston and Philadelphia were added with having increasing Hispanic population. The Distribution of Hispanic population changed as well; 58.5% were Mexican, 9.6% were Puerto Rican, 3.5% were Cuban, and 28.4% were other Hispanics. Of course this is just one view of a group. Years ago, during the civil rights movement the focus was on African-Americans and Blacks and the discrimination they suffered.

Currently, the increasing debate is that the minorities will soon become the majority in America, thus increasing diversity. But, the manner in which the minorities are becoming the majority is sometimes by illegal methods. Some are crossing the Mexican-American border. Others arrive in boats from the Caribbean. Either way, it is bringing about some negative outcomes such as the Arizona’s immigration laws. This behavior that the Majority and natives to the United States may seem unconstitutional and racist to some but it is not the first time a specific group of individuals is targeted. The United States has a history of this. It will just take time for the public to accept this new group or deny it like we have done in the past to the Native Americans, Asians, Irish, and African- Americans.

The technology that has been rapidly changing and increasing over the past twenty years has greatly helped in acquiring information about diversity and helps to bring about information and knowledge about those who are different from us. For instance, Google, Wikipedia , and the general wide web that can literally search for any information someone would like to learn about a country or culture. It is even possible to search in different languages. Depending on the searched topic, Wikipedia can offer up to 146 different languages. In addition, not only can we learn about cultures and customs, but we can also acquire statistical data and researches done by institutions and the government. Thanks to technology we can also learn through email, SMS, online news, and tweets about current events occurring outside our country. For instance, Google saw an increase in tweets about Fidel Castro from 9am to 10:30am today because of a recent statement he made about the failing economic system in Cuba.

So, technology seems to really be improving how we handle and learn about diversity in our country and from other countries as well.