I believe that a respectable environment in an institution allows all the people regardless of their culture, nation of origin, religions, sexual orientation, and ethnicity to interact, cooperate, and achieve group and personal goals and objectives. It follows that the environment would have appropriate mechanisms of communication and methods of solving disputes amicably. Diversity allows all people to keep their individuality. Inclusiveness is fundamental because it promotes co-existence without judging others based on their group characteristics. Anderson (288) defined equality as the principle of ensuring that all people access opportunities and resources without discrimination. It is not possible for people to respect each other if some enjoy the available resources more than others. Inequalities lead to social problems that cause chaos.
In a culture that value respect, I am obligated to adhere to the fundamental principles of the culture. In this regard, I have to follow the rule of private gain that is I should not exploit others selfishly. Besides, a society that values respect allows people co-exist cohesively. Moreover, I am required to propagate respect among all members by according them due regard.
I am also obligated to promote diversity by accepting others. I should recognize and respect the choices other people make and not judge them. I would also promote equality of opportunities in all social spheres. For example, ensuring that there is no racial and religious profiling, discrimination in resource allocation, and promotion of individuality. It is my belief that the collective right supersedes personal gain making it a critical aspect in a respectable environment.
Everyone deserves respect as a human being. However, the nature of human interactions does not guarantee one respect universally because one’s actions may erode the human dignity that is the basis upon which others judge individual's actions. It is essential to note reverence exists between two people or parties and, as a result, it is the way one behaves that determines whether one receives honor or not.
The golden rule, “treat others as you would want them to treat you” applies when people socialize. There are minimum requirements that all people should adhere to if others would accord them respect. It follows that the way the person acts may earn or deny one respect. From the above premises, one concludes that reverence cannot be universal, but one acquires it in the process of socialization.
I believe that diversity in a school entails fostering an inclusive environment for all people. In this case, the classrooms should not be segregated by race, ethnicity, and race, among other criteria but should accommodate all the people. The learning material and examples need to cut across all the social, cultures, economic, sexual orientation, and religious divides, etc., such that all the students feel respected and appreciated, and can maintain their individuality.
Moreover, the teacher should be sensitive to the issues affecting all the diverse students to cater of their needs. For instance, some religions such as Islam require that the students participate in prayers five times a day. An inclusive school environment would give them time to carry out prayers. Schools that offer lunch or any other food should also inform the students and other stakeholders on the recipes to avoid offending those who do not eat some of the foods. For instance, Muslims do not eat bacon.
Work cited
Anderson, Elizabeth. What is the point of equality? Ethics, Vol. 109, no. 2 Jan., 1999, 287-337. The University of Chicago Press. Available at <http://philosophyfaculty.ucsd.edu/faculty/rarneson/ElizabethAndersonWhatIsthePointof Equality.pdf>
