Alex Lipscomb. Diversity and Inclusion

I think diversity and inclusion are important because it  helps promote the feeling of being included and accepted. The way I think of diversity is like a big puzzle where each piece brings something different to complete the goal. It is interesting  to learn about people’s stories, cultures, languages, and traditions because it shows how unique everyone is. For example, the way people celebrate different holidays such as Hanukkah rather than Christmas with the different stories, foods and traditions is interesting to me.  I believe everyone should have a chance to be part of the group, whether it’s at school, sports, or even just hanging out with friends. When we are presented with people in our lives that we make an impact on or they make an impact on us it will mold us into the people we will become.¹

For example, there is a person in my class who uses a wheelchair, and we try to make sure there is something that everyone can join in on or work on together. Diversity and inclusion is a way to remind us that being different isn’t a bad thing, it's actually cool. If we were all the same, life would be boring. By including everyone and respecting their differences, we can learn so much from each other. It also helps us become kinder and more understanding. I think it’s important for people to learn about diversity and inclusion because it makes us better people. When we respect the differences of others and make sure everyone feels welcome it makes the world a place. The world we live in is a pretty amazing place and by accepting others and learning about our differences can only add to that value.²

The way diversity and inclusion came into play in multimedia elements is by helping to provide  representation and understanding across different  groups. When we Incorporate diverse narratives, and voices it helps ensure that media content reaches a wide audience. For example, using images that represent a variety of  races, genders, body types, and abilities avoids stereotypes and  promotes inclusion. Multimedia content should also reflect the targeted context of the subject matter, such as featuring athletes in sports therefore maintaining credibility and also relevance.

Documentaries, podcasts, and social media campaigns can share stories that highlight struggles and triumphs of underrepresented groups. This avenue can help build empathy and break down stereotypes and misconceptions. For example, videos that show the daily life of someone with a disability or the traditions of a cultural group unfamiliar to many viewers can open minds and hearts. In addition, accessibility is also a vital  part of inclusion in multimedia. This means providing captions or audio for videos, descriptions and content, in order to provide easy navigation for people with disabilities. When media is accessible, it allows everyone to participate and enjoy the content equally.

My angle on diversity and inclusion is that the way this is focused on today does need improvement. It is basically like a big puzzle that we have to complete, no matter the project, to incorporate different viewpoints. With the addition of people who have disabilities or people that  come from different backgrounds we can reach many more people and learn continuously.³

Point of View

Different viewpoints and different vantage points bring perspective to the world around us. With diversity and inclusion we can provide not only perspective but equality. We need to take that big puzzle and work together to create and work toward putting together a wonderful project that includes and accepts all. Therefore, creating a puzzle that everyone sees the value and beauty in.

Multimedia has a special role in this because it shapes how we see the world and each other. By continuing to improve how diversity and inclusion are represented in media, we can help build a kinder, more understanding, and exciting, acceptable world for everyone.

In conclusion, diversity and inclusion are about more than just having different people in one place. They are about celebrating those differences, making sure everyone has a voice, and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Email me at Jal925@msstate.edu with any questions