After reviewing this week's blog assignment, we were asked
to get some different perspectives from our own acquaintances, colleagues,
family, friends about the definitions of culture and diversity.
I sent a few emails, made a call and spoke to some of my family
in person about these two topics.
The first person's definitions are those of my sister's
sister-in-law whom has recently completed her Masters in Teaching. She writes:
"My definition of culture is the values, beliefs,
customs, and overall way of life for a particular group, country, or even
organization. Culture is passed down and beliefs can be transmitted from
generation to generation. Diversity is the inclusion of all different
cultures in the same place. I’m thinking not only different races
“melting pot” but also religions, sexual preferences, and even ages that are in
the same place. When I say “place” it could be as small as a school or as
big as a nation."
The second person I asked to define culture and diversity
was my husband. He says: "I think of culture as a bunch of common ideals,
customs, beliefs that a group of people share. This commonality unites the
people and helps the culture survive through generations. Diversity is
kind of the evolution of culture. As a group of people is exposed to new or
different ideals, customs, beliefs, etc., they are likely to adopt some of them
as their own. You end up with a diverse group of people
forming their own new culture. "
The third response is from a family friend who is 22 years my
senior. She is actually the daughter of my fifth grade teacher, but our
families have always been close. Her response about culture is the following:
"Culture is from each person's ancestral background. It is what families
build upon and continue to pass along to the next generation as the roots of
our being. Diversity is accepting that there are many customs and
traditions that make up a community. And it does not limit itself to only
customs and traditions, but also religious beliefs and social actions. To be
more diverse we need to learn, understand and embrace the many aspects of the
culture around us."
A fourth contributor to my gathering of insights about
culture and diversity comes to me from one of my close friends, a little
younger than I, and she works in architecture. She writes: "Culture
is a group of similar people living together with similar ways of
life. Diversity is multiple factors that define people as being different
from one another"
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 takes into account many things, beliefs, and values
that a group of people share. It could also be common interests, food,
clothing, and religious views (Smidt, 2006). In the answers I received,
many of them replied that culture is a group of people's similar ways of living
and beliefs that is passed on through generations.
In regards to diversity, I like the answer from sister's
sister-in-law how diversity is the inclusion of all different cultures in the
same place.
Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some
examples of such omission?
One of the biggest aspects that I think has been omitted is
the "deep culture" we have discussed this week. For example,
all of the different social identities that contribute to one's deep culture
and identity are a huge factor in defining one's culture and an explanation
about diversity.
In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?
I had never really thought of the cultural aspect being
passed on from generation to generation as there are so many outside influences
that can change cultural ideals as my husband had mentioned. This, then
contributes to diversity as ideals change. I also like being able to reflect on
the many differences that exist within each culture, as it makes it seem there
truly is no right or wrong answer to defining a specific culture. It all
depends on how each individual within a particular group feels about their
culture. Now I think even my own sisters are different from me depending on the
experiences and outside factors that may have changed their ideals from mine.
Everyone's cultural identity is truly unique.
So many things to ponder as we discuss this topic!
Reference:
Smidt, S. (2006). The developing child in the 21st
century: A global perspective on child development. New York, NY:
Routledge
Hi Clara, it is amazing how so many people define culture and diversity. There is so many factors and life experience that can make up culture. I believe that since diversity is so well spoken of and is in and around everyday life that it is important that we really understand what it means to be different and similiar in so many ways.
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