3 WAYS TO ADD DIVERSITY IN WRITINGS

   

In literature, Diversity means writing diverse characters and stories that reflect the reality of the world we live in. As a writer, it's essential to consider how the work can promote understanding, empathy, and social justice, and be mindful of the potential impact it can have on readers.

Diversity in literature goes beyond ethnicity. Diversity may include the various facets of sexuality and gender, cultural, and societal groups. Whether characters in the books we read reflect others or ourselves, what is most important is connecting with them in ways that help us understand who we are today.

In this scenario stories  help us relate to others and empathize with them. When readers are exposed to new ideas, their schematic framework is expanded and strengthened. Here reading multicultural literature not only teaches new and diverse ways of thinking and doing but promotes a powerful appreciation of social diversity.

Multicultural literature serves as a powerful tool in enabling readers to gain a better understanding of both their own culture and the cultures of others. Through this deeper knowledge, relationships can be strengthened, bridging the gap between students from diverse cultural backgrounds 

Reading books that represent different abilities, cultures, beliefs, and skin colors help us change our attitude toward those differences. Offering a diverse title for a community read allows the reader to both step into the shoes of the protagonist and have a buffer from their reality.

Diverse literature is a key tool to help to build a child's social and emotional development by encouraging empathy, positive self-esteem, and building healthy relationships. Children who read diversely will more likely be accepting of those that are different from them.

Diversity in literature can help readers to be more compassionate, caring citizens. Reading about other cultures and identities can remind them of both similarities and differences in the human experience. 

When writing about diversity in stories, it's always better to keep these three things in mind:

1. Choosing words carefully

2. Make sure diverse characters are fully developed and not just there for diversity’s sake

3. Describing characters equitably.

(This blogpost is a part of Blog Chatter's #Bloghop)