| Maybe it seems like the world's gone mad, and sometimes I agree, it has. But it is not that long ago since single mothers and those with mild learning disabilities were locked in psychiatric hospitals, some of them stayed there for their whole lives. Now look, they live freely and can go diving. We have a better awareness now of how to treat everyone with respect.
Unfortunately, and in my experience of diversity and equality training, it does seem rather over-zealous sometimes. Although the awareness of potential discrimination is very important, I for one maintain my sense of humour when people joke about me being old, female and quite deaf. Those with more profound problems may easily lose their sense of humour.
It is difficult to judge what is funny and what is insulting, as the one legged fin post, this morning, illustrated.
It also raises the question of diving groups like GLUG ( gay and lesbian underwater group)- are they being descriminating? I know they are not because they accept non-gay members . But the name suggests that they discriminate.
Such a can of worms.
Diversity and equality training is, IMVHO, a very good thing. Most of us would think so if we were, through circumstances, disadavantaged or in a minority, that excluded us from doing what others take for granted. I don't think you can argue with that and that is what diversity awareness is all about. |