Cultural diversity is important because it affects everyone.
Cultural diversity is more than racial classification, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.
Cultural diversity encompasses the whole range of human experiences including but not limited to age, gender, racial classification, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, physical disabilities, national origin, geographical location, political orientation, physical size and appearance. These factors influence the cultural experiences and backgrounds of individuals and groups. Cultural influences shape the framework within which people view the world and operate in their everyday approaches to life. They influence the distinct way in which people define and organize reality, their lifestyle, guiding beliefs and basic assumptions about life. Culture is an important guiding force in individuals' lives and shapes not only their perceptions, but their relationships with people and the world around them.