March 14, 2003

Better understanding leads to better communications

Dr. Erice Doss explains dimensions of diversity

During these arduous times, interpersonal relationships, communication, and an understanding of diversity cannot be overstressed. These topics were covered by Dr. Erice E. Doss at a diversity workshop sponsored by the Office of Service Learning on March 17. Doss, who describes herself as an experiential educator, gave an insightful view, along with accounts of her personal experiences, of diversity.

Doss opened the workshop with a quote, "I exist, because we are," from Wade Nobles, a professor of African psychology at San Francisco State University, who has also made a mark in educating others about diversity. This quote helped to illustrate how each individual is a part of a whole and cannot exist without interacting with others. Though it is not always obvious, the way people communicate in relationships is influenced by a number of factors, Doss said. Those factorsage, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and abilityare what Doss calls the main dimensions of diversity.

The main dimensions of diversity affect how an individual is perceived and how that person perceives others. Doss stressed that family background, culture, values, and even geographical location can affect a person's perceptions. Body language is a key factor in revealing a person's reaction to someone else. In verbal communications with others, it is not what is said, she stressed, but how it is said that makes an impression. Doss asked the members of the audience to name a significant other in their lives. The general response ranged from family members to close friends. She then made a few suggestionsthe boss, the cashier at the grocery store, professors. She wanted to make the point that everyone a person interacts with in life is a significant other. If everyone treated the people that they communicated with as though they were a significant other, everyone would be treated well.

When meeting someone for the first time, do not expect that person to be a mirror image of yourself. Doss stressed another goal of diversity is the appreciation of peoples differences. Each individual should try to respect another's actions, speech, and beliefs. The more that is understood about others, the better communicating with them will be.

Doss works in the Division of Student Affairs at Tennessee State University. She is a member of the National Society for Experiential Education Board of Directors and has extensive experience in teaching, consulting, speaking, and counseling. She is a licensed professional counselor, an approved clinical supervisor, and a state civil dispute, family and special education mediator. She has conducted diversity, organizational, and development workshops for businesses, student groups, and various professional and civic organizations.

Nicole Fitz Rawlins, A'05, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications