Perspectives on Diversity
and Culture
Yesterday
I was fortunate to attend the 2016 Spring Institute in Seattle on Children,
Race, and Racism. During this training I asked three colleagues for their
definition of culture. The first definition that I received came from someone
who has over 20 years of experience working with culturally diverse populations
and she herself is bi-racial. The second definition that I received came from a
Native American colleague who is a story teller. The third definition that I
received came from a Japanese colleague who teaches others about Peacemaking
circles and has a passion for racial healing and social justice leadership.
It
is interesting that all of individuals I spoke with had similar definitions of
culture. Culture is everything that shapes and defines an individual. Beyond
the visual aspects of culture; food, clothing, housing, etc. we must look at
the values and beliefs and philosophies that carry and shape who we are. During
this course so far the definitions that I have received from others and the
definition in the text are similar. We all have a generic definition of culture
but I have learned so far through this course that culture is many things to
many people and it is always evolving. I think the example in our text that
attempts to define culture is the best one that I have found.
The phenomena we call ‘culture’ arise as people pool and accumulate their discoveries and as they institute conventions to coordinate their labors and adjudicate their conflicts. When groups of people separated by time and geography accumulate different discoveries and conventions we use the plural and call them cultures” (Smidt, S. p.85 2012).
The phenomena we call ‘culture’ arise as people pool and accumulate their discoveries and as they institute conventions to coordinate their labors and adjudicate their conflicts. When groups of people separated by time and geography accumulate different discoveries and conventions we use the plural and call them cultures” (Smidt, S. p.85 2012).
When
it comes to diversity the same holds true. These educated individuals of
multiple races look at diversity as different elements or qualities of
individuals (like race, ethnicity, language, etc.) that make them who they are,
when they are with others in a group or organization looking at all of their
different attributes makes the group more diverse.
By listening to others definitions of culture and diversity and thinking back on the learning resources I have broadened my thinking whe it comes to culture and diversity. At the beginning of this course I thought of myself as not very diverse and I could not exaclty pinpoint my cluture; these definitions have helped me to identify with who I am. They have also helped me to realize that culturally I need to know myself in order to help children understand race, culture and diversity. I have just began a journey to understanding race, culture and diversity so that I can help children to make meaning of society's messages and help to support development of a healthy racial and ethnic identity in them.
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I also agree with you that each individuals definition of culture and diversity were similar, and they appeared to have a good understanding of the terms. I thought that it was really interesting that you stated that in the beginning of the course you could not pinpoint your culture. I agree that this assignment helps to broaden the understanding of other elements that are associated with culture and diversity. Great response, thanks for sharing!
Hello Susan,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog this week. I found that all three of the people who I interviewed related to culture and diversity the same way even though all were different. I am glad that we were able to ask other people there opinion about culture and diversity because I was amazed at there answers. Thanks for sharing this week keep up the good work.
Vonecia West
HI Susan,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your blog, I can agree that obtaining other definitions, did provide similar response that were generic. As I thought about the responses, I realized that many people have a limited mindset of culture and diversity. Our prespective of culture and diversity has shaped our society and we practice we have been taught about culture and diversity. However, I am now beginning to have a deeper understanding of these two words.