Characteristics of Diversity:

• Recognizing and appreciating values of individuals
• Collective mixture characterized by differences and similiarities
• Accepting, respecting, and understanding different individuals
• As a human identity; the various characteristics that define an individual and how these characteristics affect a person's rights (Wood)
  

"Defining Diversity." Magazine Publishers of America, 2003. 09 June 2010. <http://www.magazine.org/diversity/Defining_Diversity/.>

Resources about Diversity and (Early American) Literature

1. Wood, Peter. "Diversity: the Invention of a Concept." Google Books. 2003. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://books.google.com/books?id=kIt2AAAAMAAJ&dq=diversity&ei=MNERTMjZN5bQkATDz5iGCg>.
This Google Book follows the origins of diversity and its increasing influence over a variety of settings including, politics, law, education, personal identity and much more. He also specifically ties diversity to the arts, referring to the notion of diversity as a human identity. Wood, an anthropology professor, looks at two different kinds of diversity. The first is a “physical and cultural variation among humans” from an anthropological standpoint and the second as how such traits influence a person’s eligibility for certain rights in life. This is a credible source because Wood looks to multiple different sources and research to support his illumination of diversity as a stereotype. Additionally, as an anthropology professor and Associate Provost at Boston University, he appears to be a credible source for offering insight into diversity from an anthropological standpoint.

2. "Preservice Teachers Develop an Understanding of Diversity Issues Through Multicultural Literature." Multicultural Perspectives (2005): 30-38. EBSCOhost. Web. 19 June 2007. <http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=14&hid=6&sid=46b05a38-1ae4-4e35-89bd-d29436c2c6de%40sessionmgr8>.
Written by administrators at Longwood University, this article addresses the growing diversity in schools, along with a method for new and experienced teachers to plan for it, teach it, and embrace it. The article begins by stating, “As our local school districts and society at large grow more diverse, these preservice teachers face the daunting challenge of understanding how students are unique and different from others and how they, as these students’ teachers, will meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom.” They later address the issue of incorporating culturally diverse literature into the classroom as a method of addressing diversity, writing that “Literature is one way in which these preservice teachers can begin to develop new meanings and conceptualizations of what diversity means. Literature is one vehicle for developing those new conceptualizations because readers often find it easier to assimilate new meanings when they are presented within the structure of a story.” Interestingly, the author goes on to recognize that really good “diversity” literature doesn’t merely focus on the issue itself. Rather, it portrays realistic characters living imaginable lives, thus granting a better idea of the intricacies of various cultures. She puts it similarly, writing, “Quality multicultural literature does not merely focus on the issue of diversity but displays characters as individuals who express an array of attitudes and actions as they participate in the events of the story.” Although the article is more or less an instruction manual for new teachers facing the difficult issue of teaching and understanding diversity in the classroom, it does offer many valid realities of the power of literature in achieving such a goal.

3. Munthu, Sankar. "Indtroduction." Enlightenment against Empire. Princeton UP. Princeton University Press Home Page. Princeton University Press, 8 July 2007. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/s7669.html>.
This book discusses the theme of diversity in literature as it relates directly to the Age of Enlightenment. The most relative information is in the synopsis in the first chapter. It talks about how the theme really emerged from the enlightenment and how it impacted the era, and those beyond it. I found this information useful in understanding how diversity really became an important literary theme, especially as it relates to works from the Age of Enlightenment. This is a credible source because it is a scholarly book, published by the Princeton Review.

4. O'Gorman, Francis. "Life Writing and Victorian Culture." Biography 30.1 (2007): 105-07. Project MUSE-Standard Collection. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://muse.jhu.edu.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/journals/biography/v030/30.1ogorman.html>.
The main purpose of the website is to describe diversity in American Literature. The article cites the different forms of diaries, obituaries, journals, fictionalized autobiographies and letters as an example of diversity in literature format. Specifically, this article compares and contrasts the relationship between diaries and autobiographies. It was helpful to learn about this literary theme because now I understand the definition of diversity and how it fits in with authors. This resource is credible because it stems from a respected journal, and is a peer reviewed article. It is informative and an author is clearly stated.

5. "Diversity." Oxford English Dictionary: The Definitive Record of the English Language. Oxford University Press, 2010. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50067782?single=1&query_type=word&queryword=diversity&first=1&max_to_show=10>.
The website presents several definitions of the word “diversity”. Diversity is found in literature under all of its definitions. It is helpful to know the multiple meanings of the word so that we are better able to understand that which we are reading. The Oxford Dictionary is a very credible source, and gives several examples, often in old English, that are helpful while reading.

6. Castania, Kathy. "What Is Diversity?" Diversity. 1996. Web. 3 June 2007.<http://www.ediversitycenter.net/staff_dev/download/kathydiversityfactsheet1.pdf.>
The page is an article which offers different meanings to the word "diversity" and offers more information to provide a clearer understanding of cultural diversity and differences among groups and individuals in order to avoid discrimination and bias. Although the page hardly mentions any type of writing, it does provide an insightful definition of diversity. The author of the page mentions that some may have the perception about diversity as "division." Castania argues that diversity should occur to an individual as a positive introduction to change, whether one would accept it or not, but with provided respect. Diversity coins individual, group, sociatal, or international identity as unique. The article is credible as the author is a well-respected and "multicultural expert at Cornell University," according to an article in Cornell News Online at http://www.news.cornell.edu/.

7. Stuart, Alix. "Gap Analysis: Why Diversity Programs Work Better for Women than for Minorities." CFO.com. CFO Publishing, 1 June 2007. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/9216073/1/c_9277557>.
The Oxford Dictionary defines diversity as the condition or quality of being diverse, different, or varied. When doing my search for articles teaching about diversity I came across an article titled, "Gap Analysis." This article discusses Oscar Munoz, a 47-year-old CFO of transportation giant CSX Corp, and how he was perceived as a pool staff employee. An American Caucasian couple approached Munoz and handed their dirty towels to him, asking if he would take care of them. Munoz followed their request, chuckling at the fact that he was perceived as an employee at this pool. Munoz addresses the issue of how people have premeditated "images in their mind of what to expect from different groups." Stuart provides evidence of diversity in the workplace, citing specific statistics on workforce diversity. He goes on to detail the success of women over minorities, pointing out how women have made advances through diversity programs, while minorities have not. This article showcases diversity in a contemporary setting. This article is credible because it comes from a credible magazine with well-documented sources. Everything presented in the article is cited appropriately and with sufficient evidence.


8. “Ethnic group”. Encyclopaedia Brittanica. 2007. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. 16 June 2007 <http://search.eb.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/eb/article-9033136.>
The main purpose of this website is to help readers define terms related to an area of study. For the purpose of this literature class, I found the term diversity to relate to the different ethnic society we are studying in American literature. In the encyclopedia Britannica online, diversity relates to “the rule of a dominant group; of rulers who in their own interest imported people for their labour or their technical and business skills; of industrialization…that drove people from their native lands”. The mission of early American poets and writers learned through experience to convey a message. In order for them to be credible, they were diverse in many natures since they viewed the world from personal influxes to contradict and issue. This resource is helpful in understanding the context of literature and for the purpose of writing and research. I believe Encylopaedia Brittanica to be a credible source, because it is generally a trusted source for information on various topics.

9. "Defining Diversity." Magazine Publishers of America. Magazine Publishers of America, 1 June 2000. Web. 16 June 2007. <http://www.magazine.org/diversity/managing/defining/>.
This website acts as a resource for the magazine industry. Here, diversity is defined as “recognizing, appreciating, valuing, and utilizing the unique talents and contributions of all individuals” regardless of age, experience, color, culture, disability, education, race, gender, religion, etc. More narrowly, diversity is defined as “a collective mixture characterized by differences and similarities.” According to this website, the mixture represented to create diversity will combine to create something greater. This website is a trusted resource for publishers and the magazine industry, making the information posted on the website a credible source.

10. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, LLC, 2010. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://dictionary.com>.
This site acts as a big combined dictionary. It explains terms with multiple perspectives and definitions. According to the dictionary.com, diversity is the state or fact of being diverse; unlikeness. Another definition cites diversity as a point of difference. Both of these definitions are found in literature. I believe Dictionary.com to be a credible source as it provides various definitions and examples, along with origins and proper citations when necessary.


11. Clearinghouse, Eric. "Literature as Lessons on the Diversity of Culture." Indiana University. Ed. Nola Kortner Aiex. ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, English, and Communication, June 1989. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://www.indiana.edu/~reading/ieo/digests/d42.html>.
This article talks about how literature can be a tool for diversity, largely in the context of cultural diversity. The author describes diversity as points of disagreement, in relation to various cultures. According to this article, the criteria for a work falling under this theme is that it would have to involve cultural diversity, and/or respect and acceptance of other cultural groups. It talks mainly about choices in literature in the classroom that will help to promote diversity, through the introduction of literature showcasing various ethnic and religious groups. This website is credible because all the references listed for the work appear to be scholarly or come from various journals.

12. Beckham, Edgar F. "Definition of Diversity." College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Iowa State University. Iowa State University, 2008. Web. 5 June 2008. <http://www.las.iastate.edu/about/diversity/definition.shtml>.
This website’s purpose is to provide students information who attend Iowa State University. This particular page gives a thorough definition of diversity, citing diversity as a “set of conscious practices” that involve a variety of practice and understanding for all individuals and groups. It talks about how discrimination creates privilege for certain groups while keeping others down, and how appreciating diversity means respecting all groups and giving them all equal privileges. This website also provides links to other diversity resources that a reader could find helpful. This source is credible because it stems from a respected educational institution.

13. "Diversity." Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press, 2008. Web. 5 June 2008. <http://dictionary.oed.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/cgi/entry/50067782?single=1&query_type=word&queryword=diversity&first=1&max_to_show=10>.
This website is used for students to define words as if it were a regular dictionary and not online. It gives multiple definitions, examples, origins, and related terms along with your basic search. It defines diversity as being different and going against the norm. The Oxford University Press is an extremely credible source, which maintains that their dictionary is also an authority on the subject matter.

14. "Definition of Diversity." University of Oregon. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html>.
This website is about diversity and the different aspects of it. I liked the definition it gave of diversity and how important it is for people to accept others’ differences. This page stems from a University of Oregon resource, linking it to the ASUO Multicultural Advocate’s Home Page. It appears the purpose of the group was to increase tolerance against racial stereotyping on campus, launching this program to create awareness. With the endorsement of a college institution, the source appears to be relatively credible.

15. "Diversity." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Farlex, Inc. Web. 14 June 2008. <http://www.thefreedictionary.com/diversity>.The site provides definitions, synonyms, and some translations of words. The Free Dictionary defines diversity as being different or varied. When applied to literature, diversity could refer to many things: the differences between author and reader, differences among authors, differences among readers. It seems that a diversity theme, based on the given definition, would center on the variety or differences between groups in society and how a character, author, or reader may react to those differences. The definitions in this source come from the American Heritage Dictionary and Collins Essential English Dictionary. This source appears to be reliable, as it provides various links and resources along with the information it presents.

16. McCulloch, Richard. “Racial Diversity.” The Racial Compact “A call for Racial Preservation, Racial Independence, Racial Rights and Racial Good Will”, 2007. 24 June 2008 < http://www.racialcompact.com/racialdiversity.html>.
McCulloch defines diversity as a point of respect in which things differ. However, this site looks more closely at the issue of racial diversity and offers an in depth essay into this topic. In this essay, it helps readers to understand the issue by widening the perspective from which we focus on diversity. This source appears to be credible, as all of the notes and resources seem to be scholarly sources. His evidence appears well supported by credible resources.

17. “United States: Religious Revitalism”. Encyclopaedia Brittanica. 2009. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. 16 June 2007 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-279467>.
Encyclopedia Britannica attempts to summarize the religious conflicts that were influencing, and influenced by, the Revolutionary era. The article is helpful because it explains the “other” side of the Enlightenment period. At this time, Deism and French atheism came under attack from religious revitalization movements. This movement was called The Second Awakening, after the previous Puritanical movement. It was a case of old meets new; some people chose to cling to the old order amidst the uncertainties of a changing world. Other people, hopeful, embraced change in some form. I found this article while searching under “diversity.” It shows how important it is to read Enlightenment texts with not only political conflicts in mind, but also religious ones. This article is especially insightful when read with my time period reading, which discussed how diversity was viewed as religious freedom during the American Age of Enlightenment. This article is credible because it comes from an authoritative source, Enclypaedia Britannica.

18. “Diversity." Definr. Web. 12 Jun 2009. <http://definr.com/diversity.>
This is an online dictionary, which is used to define and give information on various topics. It is primarily associated with being an “incredibly fast dictionary.” Definr says diversity is "the condition or result of being variable." While this source does not provide nearly as much information as other online dictionaries, it does give very brief and accessible definitions. Despite being brief, it appears to be credible because it is based off of a Princeton resource.

19. "Diversity Definition." University of Tennessee Libraries. University of Tennessee, 11 Sept. 2008. Web. 11 June 2010. <http://www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/diversity_definition.html>.
The purpose of this website is to define and explain the term “Diversity”. According to this site, diversity is “a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique in an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement.” The site provides various examples of such characteristics, such as age, cognitive style, and culture. This link is credible because it stems from an educational institution, The University of Tennessee.


20. Diversity in Texts." Making Meaning in Literature. Annenberg Media. Web. 12 June 2010. <http://www.learner.org/workshops/makingmeaning/makingmeaning/diversity/index.html>.
The main purpose of this website is to give a description of the literary theme diversity. It includes information such as key points, background reading, and texts that exemplify diversity. The websites main criterion for a text having diversity is that it is something that can appeal to many different audiences. Although it only provided general information about diversity and focused more on diversity between texts rather than in a text, this resource was helpful in my reading and interpreting the themes of the texts I was reading because it guided me on a path to determine how to find the diversity This is a credible website because it is a popular recourse for literature teachers, it listed many texts as examples, and it also provides additional reading on an array of subject matter.

Definitions of Diversity:
Dictionary Definition

Gladstone Definition

Diversity Definition

Cultural Diverisity:
Wikipedia Definition

Dictionary Definition



"Diversity: Differences are Essential" youtube.com. 09 June 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIvK5lTYr9Y&feature=related.>


Representative Authors and Texts:

Harriet Jacobs