Various scholars from different contexts and perspectives have analyzed the questions of diversity (Colgan & Ledwith, 2004; Francoeur et al., 2008). Let us draw attention to the gender diversity, which is essential in people’s daily activities and communication. I have chosen the video on gender diversity, which is about the stereotypes regarding the roles of males and females (YouTube, 2013).
It is easy to understand what message the video is sending. It is made as a cartoon in both Italian and English language. Despite the fact that the portrayal of gender roles is simple, which is a square for male and a circle for female, it is still very creative and descriptive. The background music, which delineates the thematic roles of each gender, is also appropriate and quite engaging. The subthemes that are breaking the video into the little parts are chosen accurately and presented in a consecutive order so the audience wants to watch it to the end.
This activity affects the understanding of existing stereotypes in society and develops the audience’s awareness of how they should not think or behave. The fact that there is a second language may provoke the thought of typical stereotypes that exist in Italian culture in particular. Thus, this video also demonstrates cultural diversity and existing stereotypes in their society.
Based on the aforementioned sample, school leaders can use technology and pop culture to promote diversity proficiency within their students and/or faculty during the corresponding thematic lectures or as a good break from intellectual activities. They can also develop this topic trying to delineate existing stereotypes, or conduct an exercise in order to have the students to brainstorm regarding the existing prejudice on gender roles. They can watch the video afterwards and check how many stereotypes they were able to discover. Thus, it is a great element of both class and extracurricular activity.
References
Colgan, F., & Ledwith, S. (2004). Gender, diversity and trade unions: international perspectives. Routledge. Retrieved from: http://www.google.com.ua/books?hl=uk&lr=&id=FMBXoMyffTQC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=What+is+gender+diversity&ots=-ONeH–f8-&sig=oFTm552pkdcclsl7EVc7ryf_9Uo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=What%20is%20gender%20diversity&f=false.
Francoeur, C., Labelle, R., & Sinclair-Desgagne, B. (2008). Gender diversity in corporate governance and top management. Journal of Business Ethics, 81: 83-95. Retrieved from: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-007-9482-5#page-1.
YouTube. (2013). Gender roles – male and female. Retrieved from YouTube Online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIwWS2atEmc.