100 Countries, One Accent

Diversity and inclusion- words internalised by every international school student. Diversity is described as the entire spectrum of human differences. Inclusion refers to an innate sense of belonging. Unfortunately, one doesn’t necessarily constitute the other, which prompts the question: Are international schools unintentionally perpetuating cultural inequalities?

In an increasingly globalised and interconnected world, we strive to celebrate our differences and make every voice heard. But how do you change mindsets sowed deep into the fabric of time? How do you alter the course of history, change patterns of hierarchy? Every school aims to paint a palette of vibrant colours, but how often do we realise when those shades start blending into one? Instead of celebrating differences, we start shaming them. 

Think about fitting in at school. Can anyone name one time they haven’t had to mask an aspect of their identity? How many different accents are mocked? How many people mask the way they speak? the way they look? You are constantly conscious of everything you do, even unconsciously. Sounds familiar?

 Masking. Masking is when you hide parts of your identity to fit in or feel included. Inclusion is at a deeper level, and one that we don’t have in schools, if students feel the need to morph themselves to fit society’s version of acceptable. In a predominantly post-colonial world, anyone who doesn’t have an American or British accent is not sophisticated enough nor classy enough. Those who wear traditional clothing automatically aren’t cool enough. These hierarchies exist whether we choose to recognise them or not. My sister and I joined this school in grade 6 and grade 9, respectively. We both had pretty strong Indian accents. She got bullied for speaking the way she speaks in her homeland. Her confidence took a great hit. So she changed herself, and when I hear her talk now, her accent is unrecognisable- she has the strongest American accent. It’s heartbreaking to see how she’s changed herself and erased a part of her identity to fit in at school. This is a legitimate example of racist beliefs that are embedded in our society.

Outwardly, everyone calls for diversity and equality, but listen to all the accents at our school. How many unique, cultural accents can anyone hear? The answer is very few. This is diversity without inclusion- A.K.A international schools’ biggest problem. All international schools proudly highlight the number of countries their students belong to and celebrate UN nights and cultural festivals. So yes, we have diverse students from over 100 different countries. Then what? Among the student body, those students who present their cultural heritage (their true cultural heritage, not the anglicised version) are viewed as uncool. So who feels that they truly belong? Everyone is trying too hard to fit in, reshaping themselves into a more anglicised- therefore, more societally accepted- version of themselves. I remember really wanting to sing a song in my mother tongue for one such cultural day, but all my friends told me not to because it would be viewed as weird or uncool. What does this say about our so-called inclusive environment? For all the other performances, however, no one thought it was uncool to sing an English pop/rock song because it’s widely accepted. This once again reinforces internalised beliefs and predominantly white ideals. These cultural hierarchies “shape the way children interact with one another across difference.” (Growing up in Transit). Being white still conflates a higher social status. Until this mentality changes, becoming globalised will have no more significance than it did back in the day. We aren’t truly embracing differences; we are just repainting old inequalities with bright, vibrant colours to hide the ugly truth. 

For as long as accents are mocked, for as long as we feel scared to express ourselves by displaying our culture, diversity and globalisation are void concepts- full of empty promises. 

We need more than statistics or posters. We need to be ready to question our beliefs.

The day everyone from every culture can speak in their unique accent, dress the way they want to, and express themselves freely. The day culture fests and stalls become meaningful celebrations rather than skin-deep diversity posters. The day differences stop being categorised as differences and are embraced as individuality. That is the day when diversity conflates inclusion and globalisation regains its meaning.

Works Cited

Arango, Alejandro, and Nicole Lustig. “Ignorance and Cultural Diversity: The Ethical Obligations of the Behavior Analyst.” Behavior Analysis in Practice, vol. 16, no. 1, 31 Mar. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-022-00701-z.

Chan, Jane. “The Role of International Schools in Perpetuating White Superiority.” Medium, 17 June 2020, medium.com/@janechan_82063/the-role-of-international-schools-in-perpetuating-white-superiority-d4c247edf673. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

Danau Tanu. GROWING up in TRANSIT : The Politics of Belonging at an International School. Berghahn Books, 2020.