I contacted three different people this week to hear their
perspectives on culture and diversity.
The first person I asked was my friend Monica. She is a fellow educator in the early
childhood field. The second person I
asked was my Mom. She is always there
for me and ready to help! Finally, I
asked my stepfather who is from Syria. I
thought he could provide both a male perspective and one from a different
race. Below are the definitions they
gave me:
- Monica: “I like to think of culture as the environment that a group of individuals share; for example, my classroom. The culture is made up of diversity among the group. The culture is not only the differences, but how the individuals react to those differences. The ideal culture is one where there is diversity but it is embraced. It is the overall energy or feeling of the environment. My definition of diversity is a collection of differences among a group of people; this could include interests, backgrounds, religions, cultures, music, and opinions.
- Mom: “To me, culture is an atmosphere of traditions, mannerisms, beliefs, foods, and dress of a group of people. Diversity is the collection of different cultures. Diversity can include race, religion, sexual preference, age, etc.”
- Stepfather: “I see culture as where you are from, your customs, and your traditions. I see diversity as being different.”
Some aspects of
culture and diversity from this course that were included in their answers were
the ideas that they include many things.
All of the definitions spoke of customs, traditions, and differences. Some went more in-depth and realized that
culture is made up of things like interests, opinions, age, and sexual
preference.
One thing that I
noticed was omitted from all of the definitions was a deeper meaning of
culture. While my Mom and Monica touched
on a few important things, I still felt that all of the definitions were pretty
superficial.
I think the snapshot I
got of the definitions of culture and diversity is pretty typical. Before the start of this course my
definitions would have been very similar.
This assignment made me realize that I have grown in my own
understanding of culture and diversity.
Instead of just seeing the outward things that are fun and exotic (food,
dress, language) I realize that culture also entails the way a family interacts
or parents, as well as what they value, and so much more.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI liked how your friend included in her definition of culture is how individuals react to differences. It shows the interconnectedness of culture and diversity. When we are faced with differences, how we react creates a culture. It is also refreshing to have a fellow early childhood educator who is more culturally aware and hopefully that is reflected in her teaching practices. I also liked your mother's definition of diversity in that it is a collection of different cultures. I had not thought of diversity in those terms but it make sense. When I think of diversity it turns into comparison of one culture versus another culture. I will incorporate her idea more in my definition of diversity. I also wished my three people had went deeper into their definitions. After writing my blog and reflecting further, I had a thought. Maybe they were uncomfortable going deeper into their definitions. For example, they may have been fearful that it would bring up subjects they were not comfortable with or maybe they were afraid they would offend someone. What do you think?
Myra