How do others define culture and diversity?
Three of my friends shared their definitions of diversity and culture.
1. Mr. Lopez defines culture as a family's lifestyle and diversity is the different ethnic backgrounds in families.
2. Jason stated that culture is something that everyone is born into and is accustomed to. Diversity consist of people who have different ideas and cultures.
3. Leroy defines culture as a family's way of living. Cultures have their own belief system and what they believe should be valued in life. Diversity can be identified when you are surrounded by people or groups who are different from you.
The aspects of culture being a lifestyle and diversity is identified by being around others who are different from you is what I have learned thus far in this course. For instance, family's culture can be identified by their clothing styles, housing arrangements, and the types of food they eat. One example that comes to mind about diversity is when a disabled child is among peers who do not have a disability.
One thing my friends omitted is that people's thoughts about what is "right" and what is "wrong" is influenced by their cultures. For instance, some people believe worshiping God is wrong while others may think that this is the right thing to do. One aspect of diversity that was forgotten by my friends is that diversity can be found in family's languages. Thinking about other people's definitions about culture and diversity has indeed influenced my own thinking about these topics. It's amazing to me how my friend's definitions were worded differently but are actually the same. Also, communicating with my friends made me realize that culture and diversity is not a topic that we often discuss with each other or our families. I wonder how often do people converse with others about diversity and culture?
Colleagues, what are your thoughts?
I really like your point Latasha about the fact that we do not often sit and reflect on our opinion about diversity. I think we are all set in our thinking and judge others for thinking differently than us. We might make comments about people different than us without realizing that it is denying them of their right to be different.
ReplyDeleteI think we don't really talk about culture or diversity with others because we feel like we define it the same way as others do. Before this assignment I thought that everyone had about the same definition for both culture and diversity as I did. I guess that is why you can't really assume anything. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, we don't sit and discuss culture and diversity. I think this is because we don't . to make anyone feel uncomfortable. My friends also had similar definitions, but worded them slightly differently. It was an interesting exercise for me, and my friends wanted to know why I was asking. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteChristina
I also agree that people are set in ways and are often quick to pass judgement on others. It is not often people sit and discuss culture and diversity. In my personal opinion it is not often culture and diversity are part of a conversation. I think we see what is on the surface and make assumptions for the rest. Before this class I did not think much about it either unless in a classroom. Now, knowing what I do know, culture and diversity play a larger role in my life and I am more interested in knowing more about a person rather than what is just on the surface.
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