A diversity essay is an essay that focuses on a persons experiences with diversity and how it has shaped who they are today. Diversity essays can be written about a variety of topics, including race, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and more. Writing a diversity essay can be both challenging and rewarding, as it requires students to think critically and examine their own experiences with diversity.
For example, a student writing a diversity essay may choose to discuss their experience as an immigrant in their home country. They may discuss how their culture has been shaped by the blend of cultures in their community and how this has helped to shape their identity. Another student may talk about their experiences as an LGBT individual and how this has impacted their life. In doing this, they may explore how the LGBT community has been represented in the media and how these portrayals have affected them personally.
Writing a diversity essay can also be an opportunity for students to reflect on their own privilege or lack thereof. For example, a student may discuss their own experiences with racism or sexism and explain how it has affected them and their view on the world. They may also look at how institutionalized racism or sexism have impacted their community, family, and friends.
Overall, writing a diversity essay can be an effective way for students to learn more about themselves and explore their identities. By discussing topics such as race, gender, sexuality, and privilege, students can gain valuable insight into the diversity of people in their immediate and broader communities. With this information, they can gain a better understanding of the diversity that exists in our world and use it to be better allies to those around them. Examples of diversity essays can be found online and in books about social justice and identity.