Diversity provides people with incredible opportunities to grow and learn from others.
I experience and embrace diversity every day. As a causcasian female pursuing dual degrees in Public Relations and African American Studies, I encounter students, professors and business people from every walk of life representing a variety of backgrounds, religions and cultures. While I find myself interestingly enough in the "minority," this unique experience has afforded me the opportunity to sit in classes and work in corporate environments where dialogue is encouraged and tough topics are explored with honesty and emotion. Personal interaction with people from other cultures, countries, races, backgrounds and religions has enabled me to grow into a much more understanding and empathetic person. As a result of these interactions and having been raised in a family that taught respect and consideration for others, no matter what their color or creed, I wholeheartedly embrace the world with a broader perspective. I have learned from parents, peers, professors and employers that fullness of life is experienced at its highest level when you open your world to others who are not necessarily just like you.
A question I have sadly come to expect when someone glances at my resume and sees my so-called “interesting choice” in majors is “Why are you an African and African-American Studies major?” My answer resides in the truth reflected in this quote: "Our prejudices arise from the fear of things we do not understand. If my generation has a single goal, it must be to promote education - education that advances us not only technologically, but also intuitively and emotionally...It is our responsibility to force ourselves beyond our comfort zones and become knowledgeable about the people around us." (Jessica Arden Ettinger)
The reason this course of study is so intriguing to me is that race, gender, and class along with other subject-matter intertwine to cause an abundance of issues that we must deal with in everyday life. We discuss real people experiencing real as it happens day-to-day. By approaching diversity experientially, relationally, intellectually, and culturally, the lessons learned can be and should be incorporated into a style of living. Therein lies my personal commitment to embracing and welcoming diversity. I find this absolutely necessary because we are talking about the same diverse audience that I will be reaching in my future media profession on a continuous basis.
The golf industry is a perfect example of an industry that thrives on diversity because players are not measured by the color of their skin, but rather, by their talent, perseverence, and the attitude with which they approach the game. The golf industry should be concerned with diversity because it is in a position in which golfers from across the world are bringing to the table unparalleled talent, ability, drive, and passion for the game. Thus, media coverage must not judge based on color or accent, but rather, a player's score and more importantly, the way he or she plays the game. To encourage such diversity means that the golf industry is able to draw a myriad of impeccable players to its tournaments. To ascribe to diversity means that the the golf industry and media can partner together to eradicate the borders…and even the barriers between nations. As the sports industry incorporates diverse players every day, the media must catch the wave of change and be willing to change as well. If both the sports and media industries can embrace diversity, they will benefit and grow from a wide variety of vastly different experiences, perspectives, opinions, skill sets, technologies and trends that comes only from acceptance and inclusion of others from all walks of life.
In addition, for the past two years, I was fortunate to have been chosen for a summer internship with the PGA of America (Northern Texas Section). During my time with the NTPGA, I found that the mix of working students was far different than that of my previous working experiences. This group of interns came from all walks of life, from all over the United States and represented a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Some interns were male, some were female. Some had physical disabilities; others did not. Some had graduated from college; many were college students. Some had played golf their entire lives, while others knew very little about the game, the rules, the etiquette or the scoring. While these many differences presented obstacles, focusing on the positive and making the most of these differences contributed to the overall success of the program.
My co-workers :)
While all interns were expected to know everything about tournament operations, it became apparent that some were more comfortable in, or even better suited for certain roles within the overall context of the tournament. Day after day, it was increasingly evident that encouraging each to function in their individual specialties, whether it was setting up the course, hospitality, scoring, oversight and rules, interacting with club staff, junior golfers or their parents, contributed significantly to the accomplishments of the team. At the same time, all who were willing and open-minded were able to benefit from the expertise of the others and grow in their professional knowledge and understanding of the game. While important for each intern to be able to step in and fill the role of another, if necessary, each “specialist” performed optimally when allowed to use their respective and unique talents and abilities, knowledge, experience and personality to contribute to the success of the program.
This experience reinforces the fact that there are more important things to concentrate on other than the color of one’s skin, one’s socioeconomic background, one’s ethnicity, the way someone dresses or the way they speak. It is important in our industry to not only listen to, but hear what others say. We must observe what others do best, applaud their efforts and cheer them on to success. We must be helpful, considerate and respectful towards peers, players, club general managers, sponsors and golf pros. We must not judge or exclude others based upon external qualities such as the color of their skin or the disability they bear. We must empathize with other’s uncertainties, their training needs and even sometimes, their fears. We must build upon the strengths and the unique life experiences of each team member. We must allow each to function within their area of expertise, but encourage all to grow in areas where they might not be so proficient.
By overlooking each others’ differences, by ignoring racial or class-oriented biases, by choosing not to judge others, we were able to promote the game of golf, fair play, integrity and discipline through a commitment to organization, camaraderie, teamwork, mutual respect and a deep appreciation for all that made each one distinctive.
Athletics and the media that cover this industry, in particular, if concerned about diversity, can choose to be a part of the solution to the prejudices and oppressions that are unfortunately prevalent in our world today. Franklin Thomas once said:
“One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”
I would love to see this day come because of the efforts of young people like me. The world truly is changing. My generation has the opportunity to make changes that have been unsuccessfully attempted for decades. If these industries - industries that reach billions of people daily - are able to incorporate diversity in new and innovative ways, imagine the progress they could help to inspire in larger society. This is one of the many reasons I want to be a part of this dynamic and intriguing process as a sports media professional.
