Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 

Scenario:

Call, write to, or talk to at least three friends, family members, acquaintances, and/or colleagues. Include at least one person who you believe is in some ways culturally different from you (a different gender, race, class, religion, abilities, age, etc.).

Ask each person to share:

1. Their definition of culture
2. Their definition of diversity

I texted my Aunt Geraldine, who has lived in England since she was 13 years old. However, she has retired is currently vacationing in Jamaica. Here are her definitions:

Culture: The shared and accepted morale and accepted way of behaviour for a group of people or section of people.

Diversity: The ability to recognise that we are all different and therefore special and must be allowed to achieve all each person is capable of being,

The Punjabi's family is from India and are parents at my school, with whom I interact regularly. They were called to ascertain their views on the topics. Here are their responses:

Culture in my society is the way of life that my forefathers have passed down for centuries.  The fathers teach their sons, and mothers teach their daughters so that life and traditional values continue. Culture is shown in the way the young generation behave when they see an adult.    

Diversity: There are quite many diversities in our culture; Also, the culture is deep. As a result, we are not straying from the old ways.

The portrait above depicts Sophia, a colleague and friend, who was asked to share her definition of the topics.

Culture can be defined as the unique characteristics that shape a particular group of people's ideas, beliefs, customs, social behaviours, and language.

Diversity can be defined as the varied social and ethnic characteristics that coexist in a particular culture at any given time.

Then reflect on the answers you received and ask yourself:

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

Culture is the way of life of groups of people; it integrates human knowledge, belief, and behaviour pattern. The outlook, attitudes, values, morals, goals, and customs are shared by a society. While, diversity is the practice or quality of including or involving people from different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations. The aspect of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course, which is also mentioned in the definitions, is that culture is deep-rooted. All individuals, no matter how different they are, practice some aspects of culture. The deep-rooted culture is that kind of culture that speaks to individuals' behaviour and attitudes, which cannot be seen on the surface. Also, the continuity of cultural activities from generation to generation was evident. For example, according to Punjabi's culture, "the way of life that my forefathers have passed down."

Furthermore, social identities were included in the definitions.  As defined by (Deaux 2001, p.1), "social identity refers specifically to those aspects of a person that are defined in terms of his or her group membership.” Thus, one’s behaviour heavily influences the group or groups associated with and how one relates to other groups. As noted by (Deaux 2001, p. 6), “Not surprisingly, people who are more strongly identified with a particular group are more likely to carry out actions that are supportive of that group.”

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

The definitions were limited in that some key characteristics such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, class, gender, age, disability, health differences, geographic location and lots of other things were omitted. 

In what ways has thought about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

My thoughts of culture and diversity are in no way different from the definitions above. However, I can attest that the knowledge and insights gained from this course have deepened my understanding and provided me with a wealth of knowledge that enables me to be more informed and confidently speak about the topic. 

As a mindful educator, the insight gained from this activity is a better understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and life experiences that can help make our world a more stable, peaceful place and help us develop as a society. It also teaches that equality is crucial in promoting and practicing all aspects of culture.  People must be treated fairly, equally and specifically to their diverse needs. It also encourages inclusion regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age, individuals must not be discriminated against. Finally, it encourages appreciation of an environment that allows people from different backgrounds to reach their full potential.

References

Deaux, K. (2001). Social identity. In J. Worell (Ed.), Encyclopedia of women and gender (Vols. 1–2, pp. 1–9). Maryland Heights, MO: Academic Press