The word "Diversity" tends to be overused (and often misinterpreted) in America. You often hear this subject commonly used in corporate diversity talks, popular career news magazines and articles extolling the importance of "diversity". But come to think of it, not very many people actually knows what that really means. Often times that word is misunderstood; when we say "diversity inclusion", we don't just mean having a variety of people of various skin color, ethnicity, heritage, creed or sexual orientation. What is really essential when it comes to diversity is the diversity of thought. When organizations talk about diversity, it really {should} goes beyond the obvious physical differences. Organizations refer to the common tangible themes as ethnicity, skin color or gender, only for the fact that these are easy identifiers for people with different backgrounds and inherently bring different perspectives in the thought process that adds value to the workforce - which becomes your community, workgroup or cohort that you belong.
Recently I came to a great understanding of why ethnic people often struggle with confusion living in America, while I personally struggled with fitting in mainstream American culture. It really comes down to one epic discovery: Asian, or more precisely, Chinese culture is fundamentally different, if not in many aspects, the opposite of American/western values. I come to realize why certain things I believe should be valued are not collectively embraced by the masses, and why what was fundamentally taught to me as a child as divine is not lauded here. What I always believed to be virtuous, should be valued or modeled was not appreciated in the same way and hence there is this big gap in cultural integration. I realized there are so many conflicting notions, and perhaps it was through my own confusion that I began to observe, investigate, and look deeply and discover that it's really rooted in the difference between our Value Systems. I come to reconcile some of these disparities in our belief systems, but to find there are things that will never be reconciled, and it is ok. I chose what worked for me and I hope people can keep an open mind and understand even if they can't embrace our Chinese values.
CORE VALUE DIFFERENCES
I used to be super ambitious when I was younger, and thought that"results oriented" was an honorable trait. Parents expected me to get outstanding grades, get into the best schools, excelled in everything I attempted, looked good and act graceful. It wasn't really an option, it was an expectation. Only to guess that was only honored in certain niches in my corporate life, if you're lucky to not be in a politically driven environment. As I simmered into society and become more integrated in our American Culture, I gradually begin to realize there is a huge difference in cultural values of Americans that simply clashes between these cultures. Which is why it created so much confusion for immigrants like myself. Being outstanding, beautiful, or perfect isn't what people revered and what makes people like you. In fact sometimes it's what makes people hate you. Excellence is not something that most people here grew up pursuing. They simply don't think that is important. They valued family, kinship, "having fun", "enjoying life", "being yourself" whatever that means over harmony, humility, achievement and excelling in life. The notion of excellence or hard work, becomes an intimidating factor to many peers I've become acquainted with find this notion perplexing, when life should be "fun".
I remember my math teacher once described me as very"achievement oriented", and one of my first bosses said I'm an overachiever. As a very young immigrant, growing up in America, a person of Asian descent, specifically "American Chinese" is the term I like to use, these were the expectations, on top of very deep core values that's rooted in my family. At times where I thought they overly critical, I think they still served me well because it served as a life compass and provided great guidance for me when I needed directions.
America is a very free society, so diverse, with so many different cultures and races mashed up in a melting pot, which makes me question what is the thread that holds this nation together? Does it only come down to our one value for freedom? As a nation, what makes us come together and stand behind collectively as a whole? Do we continue to live in silo'd communities where we stick with what we know and our comfort levels?
