Introduction

Humans have always been diverse in their cultural beliefs and practices. But as new technologies have led to the perception that our world has shrunk, and demographic and political changes have brought attention to cultural differences, people communicate across cultures more now than ever before. The oceans and continents that separate us can now be traversed instantly with an e-mail, phone call, tweet, or status update. Today, our workplaces are more integrated in terms of race, sexuality, age, physical and mental ability, and gender, increasing our interaction with domestic diversity. The Disability Rights Movement and Gay Rights Movement have increased the visibility of people with disabilities and sexual minorities. But just because we are exposed to more difference doesn’t mean we understand it, can communicate across it, or appreciate it. This chapter will help you do all three by providing the terminology required to better understand and communicate issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).  Let’s begin the process with the video: What Do Equality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mean (2021).