Cultural diversity has been promoted in various contexts and definitions for at least two decades.  However, it has become a lackadaisical term in political correct corporate and political environments.  This topic has lost its spicy flavor, has turned into a cold dish and become tasteless.

Let me add a new perspective to this discussion.  I’m going to talk about Asian cultural diversity, wealth and power.  First, full disclosure, I’m Chinese from Taiwan and an US trained Ph.D. psychologist.  So, I understand both worlds – western and Asian.

GLOBAL DIVERSITY AND SHIFTS
Let’s focus on Asia, where the world’s population critical mass seems to be shifting.  First of all, let’s do the numbers!  The global population has reached 7 billion.  The most populated countries in the world are currently China (1.3 billion) and India (1.2 billion, soon to be #1).

What does this mean?  Among a group of 7 random people, there are about 3 people who are either Chinese or Indian (about 40%).  If the populations of Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Southeast Asia are added together, among a group of 7 people, there are more than 4-5 people are either Chinese, Indians, or Asians (more than 60%) descent. That’s huge!

Let’s look at money!  The top two creditor nations in the world are Japan and China.  The top two debtor nations are United States and Spain.  The debt of United States is twice as much as that of Spain.

How about norms of beauty?  The symbol of beauty has historically been Caucasian, but this is also changing.   The newly crowned Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri, is the first Indian-American to win the title.

Today’s pop icons are largely Caucasian, including Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga.  However, mass media and the entertainment industry are seeing the above trends.  Go to any global high end luxury store and look who’s buying?  Asians.

How about education!  The top global student achievements in math and science are achieved by students from Singapore , Hong Kong , Taiwan , China , Korea , Japan and other East Asian countries.  Ouch

Don’t be surprised if Santa Clause and Jesus Christ have a darker complexion over the next few years.

LOOKING AT THE WORLD THROUGH A DIFFERENT PERSONAL LENS
I’ve seen the future in San Jose in California’s Silicon Valley.  The chances of the following are extremely high in Silicon Valley, specifically working for a Chinese or Indian boss/company, borrowing money from Chinese or Indian loan officers, renting a house from Asian  landlords, having your child learn Singapore math, going to a Vietnamese dentist, and having local Chinese or Indian banks.  I know because my husband and I have experienced each of these in just the last few months since we’ve moved to San Jose.

So, are you ready for the above?  Your job, your financial security, and your advancement may depend on how much you know about your current or future Asian bosses, investors, and customers who have different cultural backgrounds and expectations than you.