The Dimensions of Cultural Diversity – A position Paper

instructions
Position Papers are an excellent method of developing a logical argument either for or against a particular position on an issue of importance. It enables both the writer and the reader to engage in a logical discussion on a variety of topics by examining both the negative and positive aspects of a position.

Background to the assignment:

This assignment is a culmination of all the work you have done in the course.

The concept of cultural diversity includes ethnicity, racial identity, country of origin, sexual preference, gender identity, and socioeconomic class. In principle, each of those aspects of individual identity can affect the manner in which people perceive and respond to one another in any environment where they encounter one another. To a great degree, there is a natural inclination for people from one culture (in any of those dimensions) to treat other people differently. That is particularly true in circumstances where individuals from a dominant majority culture encounter individuals from minority cultures. In the worst cases, cultural diversity results in prejudice and mistreatment or subjugation.

Correctional staff have to listen, be positive, mentally prepared and be respectful when working with
offenders. You have to remember, it is your job to interact with people who don’t want to
be interacted with!

For this assignment, you will select a specific aspect of diversity, such as ethnicity, racial identity, country of origin, sexual preference, gender identity, or socioeconomic class and discuss the impacts your chosen topic within diversity has on your role as a correctional officer. For example, what are the impacts of ethnicity on a correctional officer, how does ethnicity affect the way they interact with offenders and what do they need to do to mitigate that. What laws, policies or procedures currently exist around the topic you have selected and what should be done.

Stake out your position and defend it.

Paper Format
Sample Outline

I. Introduction
A. Introduce the topic
B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue. This is the body of your paper)

Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic and your approach to it (your thesis statement) and to arouse your reader’s interest in what you have to say. One effective way of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to supply a kind of backdrop that will put it in perspective. You should discuss the area into which your topic fits, and then gradually lead into your specific field of discussion (re: your thesis statement).

II. Counter Argument
A. Summarize the counterclaims
B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims
C. Refute the counterclaims
D. Give evidence for the argument

The counterclaim is basically saying that you disagree that there is any need to change the way things have been done in the p