Speaker urges U.S. to embrace diversity

Diversity is here to stay. That was the message journalist, author and editor Lewis Diuguid of The Kansas City Star delivered during this week's Ploghoft Lecture at Northwest Missouri State University.

"This is America now. If we are not valuing diversity, we are not representing the reality of our country," said Diuguid, who specifically addressed challenges facing the news media in covering a multi-cultural and multi-racial society.

He also pointed out how changing demographics are affecting politics as more hispanics move into cities that have been consistently losing population.

Diuguid noted that members of  these developing communities are interested in schools, local government and other issues but are often ignored by the so-called mainstream culture.

"They are interested in the things that make America great," Diuguid said. "And we have to tap into the richness and diversity of other cultures."

During a press conference before his speech, Diuguid talked about diversity success stories, such as the use of Cherokee "code talkers" during World War II.

He also said that nations like China have historically embraced diversity, and that such acceptance is often tied to economic growth.

"Diversity is like money, you can never get enough of it," Diuguid said. "You will never see a business say 'OK, we've reached our goal this year. It's October, everyone go home.'

"We have to continue to try and harness the talents of all people in more ways to further the progress of our nation.