DIVERSITY TIP OF THE WEEK: Think Salad, Not Soup

Most of us are familiar with the notion of the American "melting pot"--the idea that our society ought to be one where people from different cultures and identities blend together. This is old-school.  The modern notion is the "salad bowl"--where people of different backgrounds all come together without giving up their particular values and identity. The idea of the "salad bowl" acknowledges that, if our campus or country is to work effectively, it's important that there is something that brings us together, something that connects us, somewhat like salad dressing. However, when we push everyone to act, talk, dress, and believe the same, we stifle their authenticity, and we miss out on what we all can learn from our rich diversity.  Think salad, not soup.

--Contributed by Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D.

For more information, contact:

Jenny Denton

Office of Diversity & Inclusion

+1 301 405 6810

denton@umd.edu

www.diversity.umd.edu