Take Our Daughters to Work Day

Many of you participated in this annual event and found out just what it is that your parents or guardians do all day. It also gave you a great opportunity to think about how important issues like gender, race and discrimination affect the workplace and society in general. Here's what some of you had to say.

Are you planning to go to someone's workplace for Take Our Daughters to Work Day this year?

Yes 42%

No 47%

No answer 11%

Have either of your parents or another adult taken you to work with them?

Yes 52%

Yes, on "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" 17%

No 14%

No answer 7%

Had you heard of "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" before you took this survey?

Yes 79%

No 14%

No answer 7%

Do you think "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" is a good idea? Why or why not?

The overwhelming majority of you think it is a good idea. Here are some of your responses:

"Yeah, I think it's good to understand exactly what your parents do to support you, and to be more thankful! "

"I think it's a cute idea, but not really practical. When a lot of kids come to a workplace, people probably spend more time making things fun for them than actually demonstrating what the job would actually be like."

Yes because it gives young girls the idea that they can do anything they want to. It also gives a great look into a profession."

"Yes. It teaches girls a sense of responsibility and it also lets them know how hard their parents work for them."

"Yes, but boys should go too..."

What do you think about the concept of "Take Our Daughters to Work Day"as an event geared specifically towards girls?

It should be girls only 16%

It should be for both girls and boys 43%

There should be one for girls and a different one for boys 27%

I don't believe any special day like this is necessary 6%

No answer 8%

What do you want to be when you grow up?

You are all very ambitious and imaginative when it comes to thinking about your future careers! Many of you, perhaps influenced by an amazing teacher in your life, dreamed of being a teacher too. The varied responses included dreams of being a veterinarian, architect, doctor, teacher, writer, nurse, physical therapist, supermodel, dancer, singer or someone who works for Nintendo.

What do you parents/guardians do?

Answers to this question were very diverse. Some of the responses were nurse, social worker, doctor, software engineer, teacher, navy officer, carpenter, small business owner, farmer, waitress, photographer, truck driver, speech pathologist, lawyer and antique dealer.

Who most influences what you want to do in life? Please check all that apply.

Mom 21%

Dad 5%

guardian 2%

brother 1%

sister 2%

other relative 6%

friend 12%

teacher 6%

religious leader .5%

youth group leader 1%

celebrity 10%

therapist .5%

other 25%

no answer 11%

Do you ever see anyone of your race/ethnicity in the media(TV, movies, music, etc.)?

Yes, all the time 73%

Sometimes 11%

Maybe once or twice 4%

No, I never have 2%

No answer 10%

What does diversity mean to you?

"Diversity means a mix of everything blended into harmony."

"Knowing that everyone is different and accepting that."

"Diversity to me means that everybody is different in their own way and that no matter what race you are you are equal to everybody else in the world. No one is better than you and no one is worse than you. We all have our strengths and weaknesses!"

"Diversity means being different together!"

"Different people coexisting and benefiting from one another."

"Diversity is a group of people with different ideas and backgrounds coming together and constructively sharing their ideas and feelings."

"Diversity means being yourself in your very own way. Being diverse, is good because it brings people together by their differences. And also there's nothing wrong about being different. Being different is a very powerful thing. Imagine everyone just like you. Then, you wouldn't be original, and unique as you are now. Everyone has diversity. Some people just don't acknowledge it right away. People are different, but it's a good thing."

How often do you think about race/ethnicity?

Almost all of the time 5%

Very often 10%

Sometimes 33%

Hardly ever 30%

Never 12%

No answer 10%

Ho much do you think race/ethnicity impacts your life?

A lot 16%

Sometimes 27%

Hardly ever 30%

Never 14%

No answer 13%

Have you learned about different culture in school?

Yes 88%

No 4%

No answer 8%

Does your family discuss issues of diversity?

Yes 35%

No 45%

No answer 20%

Do you think discrimination because of race/ethnicity is a problem in society today?

Yes 72%

No 13%

No answer 15%

Do you think discrimination because of gender is a problem in society today?

Yes 62%

No 23%

No answer 15%

Do you think discrimination because of class status is s problem in society today?

Yes 58%

No 22%

No answer 20%

What do you think is one of the biggest race/ethnicity/cultural problems or issues in society right now?

"I don't know. I'm like, little miss anti-racism. I just think overall racism is a big problem. It's stupid!! We all adapted from the same thing, we just changed our colors and shapes to adapt to our needs."

"I think that that there will always be those people that don't like African-Americans or hate Mexicans. They are still active in our country and I think that is one of the prime examples of how sad society is turning out to be. There is also the "men rule" theory. Women deserve just as much as men if not more."

"I think when someone wont give someone else a job cause of their race that, that is so wrong."

"CLASS!!! People judge others by what they wear, how they look, and so on! That's just rude!"

" When people don't accept two different race/ethnicity/cultures having children together."

"The biggest race problem or issue is that employers will hire people because of their race and not because of their qualifications. Also, I have noticed a lot of minority scholarships and not so many any more for non minorities. I mean why does it matter what race you are? If you want to give a scholarship away then give it to anyone, no matter what race or ethnicity they are."

"All the stereotypes put on people because of their color, race, disabilities, sex, weight, tastes is just overwhelming today. Because of that ignorance so many horrible things happen and it is so pathetic. Sometimes I wish I could have my own teenage talk show to educate some of the ignorant people today."

"One of the problems in my school is the social separation of the popular kids from those who are not so popular. They make kids feel badly."

"One of the things I do think people today are having a problem with is gay people. I mean if they want to be gay then that is there choice. We should be minding our business and not in people's personal life.

"I think there is too much stereotyping of race and ethnicity, there is too much "profiling" - making assumptions about an individual based on their ethnicity."

Have you ever stood up for someone being harassed or teased because of their race or ethnicity?

No 24%

Yes 58%

No answer 18%

Have you ever been teased, harassed or discriminated against for: (please check all that apply)

Your race or color 15%

Your gender 34%

Your appearance or dress 50%

Being smart 45%

Not being smart 13%

Your religious beliefs/practices 19%

Being an athlete 12%

Hanging out with certain friends 57%

The people you are involved with romantically 37%

Where you live 17%

Do you think your life would be easier if you were of a different race or ethnicity? Why or why not?

"No, I think everyone was made for a reason. Everyone was put on this world for a purpose. If everyone was of the same race or even a different race than they are now life would be boring!"

"No, not necessarily-people will ALWAYS find something to harass you about. Besides, I'm proud of my heritage, birthplace, and legacy-I have no remote desire to change it."

"No I don't think life would be any easier, because I think that no matter who you are, or what color your skin is, your life is always going to have its ups and downs. But no matter what or who you are you have the power to deal with your problems, only you can say if you want to make your life hard or easy, it all depends how you look at it and deal with things.

"Yes, because I live in a white nation (USA) and of course there is more favoritism towards whites than other ethnicities (which should tell you that I'm not white . . . "

"I don't see people as black or white. We are all the same."

"I shouldn't feel I have it easier- I SHOULD feel that everyone is on equal standings... but unfortunately I'd be lying if I said I did, because I know how racist some people are- when it comes to employment, acceptance, etc. of different races/ethnicities... However, I don't like classing myself as 'White' or 'Caucasian' mainly because Skin Color SHOULD NOT matter- a human is a human... it's what is inside that counts..."

"I am a Muslim, and I wear a scarf when I go out. Personally, I am glad in a way because it is like a protection for me. But I know people would treat me differently if I didn't wear it. My color isn't actually much of an issue."

"I don't think it would be easier, but it would definitely be different. I mean I've told somebody I was Jewish, and in total seriousness they asked me where my horns were. I don't that would of happened had I been a different religion.

"Sometimes it feels like it would be easier if I were of a different race and/or ethnicity, but I am proud of what I am now. It's just that sometimes people are so cruel to me and some people get more privileges than I do.

"No, I hate to say it, but white people are the less made fun of. Why is that?"

"Well, to be truthful, yes. I think that if I was a white female from the USA that I would get along much better than I do today. Because I'm Cuban, and my race is black, I get treated with a certain level of disrespect. Like one time in NYC, I wasn't being served in a store, yet all the other white people were that were standing behind me. Today, in our society, to be treated the best, to get what you want and to look the best, your going to have to reach a certain standard. But for those lower than the standards, get stepped on."

"No, but sometimes I wish I were a different race so I could see how they feel when they're being teased and try to stand up for them when I'm in they're shoes."

"No because I don't care what people think of me. They can think whatever they want. I am what I am and that's the way I like to be no matter what. I would not wish to be different."

Please check all of the following that you consider yourself to be (and we realize you're so much more!)

Actor 38%

African American/Black 8%

Asian 4%

Asian American/Pacific Islander 2%

Atheist 6%

Athlete 43%

Australian 1%

Bi-or Multi-racial 6%

British 7%

Canadian 8%

Caucasian/White 53%

Comedian 30%

Dancer 43%

Designer 28%

Feminist 27%

Hispanic/Latino(a)6%

Indian 4%

Mexican 4%

Musician 32%

Native American 7%

Poet 31%

Religious 36%

Spiritual 30%

Writer 43%

Thanks to all who took the survey!